IN one half of a semi is a family of four who are all now working. They are all using the services provided by the local authority and Scottish water. Next door is a widow who bought her half of the semi 40 years ago when her husband was working. They paid their tax and raised their children. She remains in the house so that the grandchildren can come and stay when they visit Scotland. It is the highlight of her year, particularly if it is over the festive season.
The council tax bill arrives which is based on the value of her house not her ability to pay. The same bill is delivered to the house next door.
Tax is only fair and can only be supported by the population if it is based on an individual’s ability to pay.
We are not talking castles here, but a real situation where four lots of earnings are being ask to pay the same level of council tax as one pension. No fair person can support such a ridiculous situation and it is time that our newly-elected Government grasped the metal and linked the coming powers on national income tax to similar powers for local income tax. We are not talking rocket science in this age of computers and tax codes.
Our widow will then be able, without the financial worries of council tax, to keep the extra bedrooms for the family visits.
Dave Biggart,
Southcroft, Knockbuckle Road, Kilmacolm.
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