‘Best Options for Scotland’ to be Sought in Local Taxation Inquiry’

A new Committee of Inquiry into local taxation in Scotland has been launched by the revenues professionals who administer the current council tax and non-domestic rates systems.

The Inquiry will examine a range of funding options, including property-based taxes and other buoyant sources of funding. Importantly, the review will seek to identify whether there are suitable mixes of funding options.

The work is being undertaken by IRRV Scotland, the body which represents local taxation professionals working in all of Scotland’s local authorities

Brian Jeffrey, IRRV Scottish Association President, in launching the Inquiry at the IRRV Scottish Conference in Crieff, states:

A stable and fair local taxation system is the bedrock for high-quality local authority service provision. It is vitally important that any system properly takes into account the ability to pay. There is debate currently about the future structure of the Scottish local tax system. We have an opportunity to be bold and innovative and to tailor a local taxation system that suits the needs of the Scottish people, without sacrificing the financial stability of local authority services. The IRRV’s Committee of Inquiry will explore all key options for buoyant sources of local funding and will consider what the best local taxation options are for Scotland.

Julie Holden, the IRRV National President, who co-launched the Inquiry, says:

I am delighted that IRRV Scotland is to play an important role in the current debate about the structure of the local taxation system in Scotland. It is important that the professional organisation for those who manage and administer the current systems should express its perspectives on the viability of the various options for change.