The majority of Scots do not want to see an increase in income tax to pay for more benefits, a poll published today has revealed.
Around 60 per cent said they were opposed to the idea – hinted at by both the SNP and Labour – to force hardworking families to contribute more towards a swollen welfare bill.
The Scottish Conservatives are the only party committed to not increasing income tax when those powers come to Holyrood through the Scotland Bill.
And that view has been supported by the YouGov poll, published in today’s edition of The Times.
The SNP has been put under increasing pressure over how it will use the substantial new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament, having argued for them repeatedly.
And given both nationalists and Labour have been critical of the UK Government’s fiscal policy, it is expected they will seek to increase tax rates on workers north of the border.
Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont said:
“This poll shows very clearly people do not want to deviate from the strict and determined path set out by the UK Government.
“They can see that it is working for the economy, working for jobs and working for families.
“The public want to see a reduction in the tax burden, not an increase.
“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party committed to this – we want to see hard work rewarded and a move away from dependency on welfare.
“Our political opponents want the reverse, and this survey shows that deluded view will not win support across the country.”