Friday, 19 November 2010
Lothians MSP, Fiona Hyslop today welcomed the Scottish Government’s budget proposal to continue the council tax freeze West Lothian and called on the council to accept the offer and join the SNP in protecting family incomes.
Between 1999 and 2007 Council tax bills rose by 61%. Since 2007, under the SNP Government, the council tax has remained frozen each year and is fully funded by the Scottish Government to the tune of £70m a year.
Welcoming the support for a Council Tax freeze, Fiona said:
“We are protecting family incomes in West Lothian as part of our social contract with the Scottish people.
“Just as we are abolishing prescription charges the SNP is determined to do all we can to protect people from the worst of the UK’s economic mess.
“Throughout Linlithgow, Bathgate and across the region, families have already saved on average £252 from the council tax freeze.
“Council Tax is an unfair and unjust tax and I am pleased that the SNP Government is proposing this further relief, as opposed to Labour’s plans to increase this tax on hard pressed families.”