Better tax wealth to help deliver fairer Scotland - letter

This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 10th June 2026

A coalition of more than 50 organisations, including SCDC, has called on the Scottish Government to create a fairer tax system following the Scottish Parliament election.

Tax Justice Scotland has written to the First Minister calling for action using devolved powers to begin a long-overdue reform of Council Tax, as well as wealth and polluter taxes.

Scotland’s public finances are under growing strain, "exposing a widening gap between political promises and how they will be paid for,” the letter reads.

"Despite SNP manifesto commitments not to increase Income Tax rates or bands, a 'reality check' is needed as Scotland faces rising pressure on public finances from an ageing population and growing demand to deliver on key priorities like child poverty, climate action and the housing and social care crises."

Tax Justice Scotland has called on the First Minister to replace the “outdated and unfair” Council Tax system with a more modern, progressive alternative as one step to ease these public finance pressures.

Along with these measures, the letter calls for action on a private jet tax and greater transparency around land ownership in Scotland.