First minister to announce council tax system reforms

The Scottish Government’s plans for the future of local taxation are to be unveiled by first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

During a visit to Lasswade High School Centre today, the first minister will set out in detail how the Scottish Government will build on the recommendations of the cross-party Commission on Local Tax Reform.

The Scottish Government has already confirmed that the Council Tax freeze remains in place for 2016-17.

As well as making an announcement on immediate reforms, the first minister is expected to confirm that the Scottish Government plans further, longer-term changes which will propose incentives for councils to boost economic growth by assigning them a share of income tax revenues.

Speaking ahead of the event, the first minister said: “Over nine years, the council tax freeze put in place by this Government has helped to keep bills affordable during difficult economic times while ensuring councils are properly funded to provide public services.

“When I established the cross-party Commission on Local Tax Reform in 2015 I wanted to ensure that our commitment to fully understand the impact of taxation on Scottish communities was fulfilled.”