LABOUR CONFIRM TAX RISE PLAN

For immediate use: Friday 29th October 2010


Attn: NEWSDESK



Labour have today confirmed they plan to increase council tax as Iain Gray’s panic showed through in a BBC interview with an incoherent approach to public sector pay.



The SNP announced two weeks ago that we will freeze council tax for the next two years as we protect family incomes through the tough times ahead.



Commenting on Iain Gray’s announcement SNP Campaign Coordinator Angus Robertson said:



“This news will horrify hard pressed households across Scotland and putscouncil tax at the heart of next year’s election.



“Iain Gray is planning to hike up council tax and hit family incomes just as people come under pressure from increases in VAT, National Insurance and pay restraint in public and private sectors.


“Labour are planning to freeze the pay of low paid public sector workers whilst taking more money off them in council tax. That is fundamentally unfair.

“The SNP has a record of freezing council tax and protecting household incomes, under Labour council tax increased 60%. No one will take claims of a cap seriously.


“As for pay Labour are simply incoherent – senior civil service salaries are set by Westminster Governments and it is Labour that allowed them to increase.


“The SNP has acted fairly on pay, controlling high salaries where we have the power whilst helped the low paid by introducing a living wage for Scottish Government workers – a wage we will expand to the NHS.


“From the first day of Labour conference it is clear it is the SNP setting the policy agenda while Labour are left playing catch up.


“Thousands of families and pensioners across Scotland will be horrified at the thought that Iain Gray plans to take their taxes and freeze their pay all at the same time.”

“There will have to be pay restraint but Iain Gray should be honest about his plans. He will freeze pay and increase taxes.”


ENDS