The Scottish Government will likely face a difficult time trying to pass its budget in a polarised Parliament, though needs just three more votes to pass legislation. In recent years – first as an informal partner and then as a coalition member – the Greens have helped the Government pass its tax and spending plans, but t he collapse of the Bute House Agreement earlier this year has strained the relationship between the two parties. READ MORE: SNP demand ‘cast-iron guarantee’ on tax hikes ahead of UK Budget On Wednesday, the Greens called for a shift in land and buildings transaction tax (LBTT) – Scotland’s equivalent of stamp duty, which is levied against the sale of properties.
The change would institute an extra band, set at 15%, which would cover home sales worth £1 million or more. Another change would see the 12% rate – the current highest – impact sales worth £650,000 rather than the current £750,000. The Greens said such an increase in tax could be used to fund action on child poverty – First Minister John Swinney ’s (below) key priority – and climate change .
“A mansion tax on the biggest and most luxurious houses is one of many ways we can raise more money to support services like the NHS while only impacting the very wealthiest people,” said Green finance spokesman Ross Greer. “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end child poverty tomorrow, but far too much of it is in the hands of a very small number of extremely rich peo.