Sir, – The SNP has at last hinted at what it may do with part of its increased tax-raising powers, to be devolved under the forthcoming Scotland Act changes.
It looks like Finance Secretary John Swinney’s first major income tax decision will mirror Labour’s Kezia Dugdale’s plan not to raise the threshold at which the comfortably-off pay higher rate tax, as is planned for the rest of the UK by 2020.
Mr Swinney believes this is progressive, citing the SNP’s stamp duty increase for more expensive properties as an example of shifting the burden of taxation to the better-off.
This is undoubtedly the case, though the jury is still out as to whether the overall tax yield will be increased. If not, then Mr Swinney’s decision will be little more than selectively punitive.
The finance secretary will need to take care that any increase in income tax doesn’t drive workers out of the job market by say choosing early retirement or considering part-time working.
Plus longer-term, the better off are historically more mobile. Why work in Glasgow when you can secure a better take-home pay in Newcastle?
Tactically the SNP and Labour’s income tax plans for those earning more than £43,600 present problems for both parties in next year’s Holyrood elections.
Tax increases are vote losers.
Few doubt the SNP will do well next May but we could also witness hard-working middle-class families shifting their allegiance away from Scotland’s two largest parties to the Conservatives.
This demographic largely votes Tory in England. Perhaps they’ll start to do so again in Scotland?
Martin Redfern. 4 Royal Circus, Edinburgh.
Angus festivalto be welcomed
Sir, – Having lived on the Panmure Estate for many years in the past, I was pleased to read that two entrepreneurial young men have taken the trouble and expense to stage a music festival on the estate.
I have often wondered why this had never been done before as it is an ideal site in beautiful enclosed surroundings, but close enough to the A92 for easy access.
With the expected attendance of 15,000 people, many staying in tents, the festival should prove very lucrative for the local shopkeepers, hoteliers and other businesses in Carnoustie. Hopefully this will become an annual event.
Robert Alexander. 5 West Smieton Street, Carnoustie.
Sort out Fintry bus services
Sir, – Having seen for myself the satirical posters in Fintry Drive bus shelters, Dundee, published in The Courier, I heartily agree with whoever had the gumption to publish what Fintry residents suffer from with their bus service.
While we are on the subject, why don’t they change the numbers 32 and 33 back to the way they were for many years. I don’t remember any complaints being made about that arrangement.
I shudder to think what will happen if we have a bad winter because the 32 has an acute left turn to make from Fintry Drive on to Fintry Road, something that wasn’t necessary before someone decided to make this change.
June Reid. 12 Findhorn Street, Fintry, Dundee.
Last stand of fading empire
Sir, – I watched some of the debate on the Scotland Bill at Westminster this week.
And after all the fuss about English Votes for English laws, I was not surprised to see only a handful of English MPs sitting on the benches listening and contributing to the arguments for and against all the amendments put forward.
This contrasted starkly with the SNP corner which was full as always.
However, when it came to voting on each of these clauses, suddenly the halls would fill up with hundreds of politicians who do not live in Scotland.
Needless to say, most issues which would benefit our nation were voted down by our southern neighbours.
So we have EVEL where Scots MPs are excluded but not the other way round.
Anyone who still thinks this union is a good thing for all of Scotland could learn a lot from witnessing the contempt with which Scots MPs are treated at Westminster.
It is a disgusting example of the last desperate shreds of colonial rule in action and, like all empires, it has to end.
Richard Clark. Craigton, Monikie.
Spendthrift approach
Sir, – Well done the public-spending watchdog for having launched an investigation into the £150,000 Scottish Government grant given to the T in the Park management, just when we thought it had been swept under the counter.
Whatever the outcome, Fiona Hyslop, our culture secretary, must face the consequences of a decision as to why such a sum was given to a company which made £6.2 million last year when this “grant” could have been more productively spent on the more deserving causes within our community.
The culture secretary has already admitted that she neither verified figures nor read any possible financial impact given by this company, which, in itself, is extremely hard to swallow.
In any event, we might ask ourselves what level of ministerial expertise do we have within this government when such a large sum of money could so easily be disbursed without any serious examination of a business case and in the face of so many other more pressing needs.
David L Thomson. 324 Laurence Park, Kinglassie.
Give our young people support
Sir, – Bob Stark (November 12) is justified in his criticism of anti-cycling correspondent Clark Cross’s denial of young people healthy exercise.
Those of us who have lived a bit should be encouraging the next generation of Scots to be active.
There are enough possible distractions for young people. Apart from the obvious risks of sedentary lifestyles or the constant temptation of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, our young people face a new threat.
Legal highs are promoted everywhere. Visit most small towns and you will see shops dealing in these dangerous products.
I am certain that Clark Cross would not want to see Scotland’s youths kicking their heels on street corners taking these chemical cocktails which could damage their brains.
Cycling is a cheap and accessible leisure pursuit. It has always been attractive to working-class Scots.
Mr Cross should help give our young people the support and encouragement they need to develop into well-rounded adults instead of attacking them for getting out and about.
Parents have had a hard enough time during the recession without saddling them with the added expenses of cycle licences.
Take a family of two parents and three children under the age of eight. A £90 cycle licence fee would cost that family £450. That would not be a one-off cost but an annual cost. Heartless.
Robert Anderson. Kirkton, Arbroath.
Double speak in high places
Sir, -Trident is to military officers what global warming is to academic scientists. What they say in public for the sake of their careers is totally different from what they say in private.
In my years as a padre, the officers I met all queried the scale of our nuclear deterrent and its priority over the conventional capability we need to counter real and immediate threats.
I taught physics in various universities and the private scorn scientists have for climategate and the kindergarten belief that science is ever “settled” knows no bounds.
Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” so it’s about time serving officers and career scientists said in public what they whisper in private
Rev Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.