The Scottish Greens have called for SNP ministers to introduce a ‘mansion tax’ to tally up more funding for public services as part of the party’s Budget demands. The party’s finance spokesperson, Ross Greer, said the levy on “the biggest and most luxurious houses” could be “introduced by the SNP now”. The Greens, who are the most likely party to help the Scottish Government’s Budget pass, want SNP ministers to introduce a new band of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax the purchase of homes costing over £1 million.
The top rate of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) for residential properties is 12 per cent on £750,000 and above. The Scottish Greens are proposing a new 12 per cent rate starting at £650,000 and a 15 per cent rate from £1m. READ MORE: Inside the Scottish Budget negotiations, as Greens want policies woven into SNP plans Mr Greer said: “[A total of] 14 years of Tory cuts have left Scotland’s budget in a dire state.
Sadly, the new Labour government shows every sign of going further and deeper with their own cuts to public services. We must use every tool available to us here in Scotland to protect people and planet from the damage these budget cuts would do. “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.
” He added: “There is more than enough wealth in Scotland to end child poverty tomorrow, but.
