Can Alex Salmond Win His Battle For Local Income Taxation?
As the Scottish National Party continue to push ahead with its local income tax plans to replace council tax it seems as though it may have a political foil in the shape of the Liberal Democrats. Ever quick to spot a weakness it seems as though the Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott has sided with Alex Salmond in exchange for a greater say in a number of policy decisions in the future. But can it work?
While today was the day that the real push for the local income tax began there was strong speculation that his plans would be derailed today. Since coming into office Mr Salmond has managed to play the press and the electorate like a fiddle but he has blown up on many major policies which were at the forefront of his parties election manifesto.
Despite a number of reviews suggesting that the local income tax policy is unworkable and the vast majority of Scots seemingly against it, Salmond is pushing ahead undeterred. His claims that 8 out of 10 people will be better off (later changed to 8 out 10 people will be no worse off) have been ridiculed by the opposition and there is still a legal argument as to whether he has the right to install such a system.
Watch this space, this hot potato is far from over!
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