Title

FINANCE

No consensus on replacement of 'unfair' council tax

Opinion is split on what should replace Scotland’s ‘unfair’ council tax system, new analysis has found.

Opinion is split on what should replace Scotland's ‘unfair' council tax system, new analysis has found.

Two-thirds of people responding to the Commission on Local Tax Reform said council tax was ‘regressive' and impacted negatively on vulnerable households. 

Most people also said there was a disconnect between local priorities and the way that local taxation operated.

However, there was no consensus on an alternative, with a reformed local property tax, local income tax and land value tax all being presented as options.

Respondents did say the efficiency and stability of the present system should be retained in any alternative system of local taxation.

Scottish local government minister Marco Biagi, who co-chairs the commission, said: ‘The findings of our formal call for evidence suggest very strongly that there are a majority of people in Scotland who agree that the current system of council tax is unfair and in need of reform.

‘However, what is also clear is that there are a wide range of opinions as to what a potential replacement for the present system would look like and operate, echoing many of the views that we have heard from the more than 4,000 people who have engaged with us so far.'

FINANCE

Local government now has clarity and a credible way forward on SEND

By Rob Powell | 10 February 2026

Rob Powell says he is ‘relieved and pleased that we now have a meaningful solution’ to English councils’ deficits relating to special educational needs and d...

FINANCE

This is a pivotal moment to influence the future direction of care and support

By Louise Gittins | 09 February 2026

Over the coming months, the LGA's constructive conversation and engagement responses will shape the organisation's input to the independent commission into t...

FINANCE

The Top 10 councils powering ahead on productivity

By Ann McGauran | 05 February 2026

Local government’s leadership may be dealing with a maelstrom of challenges, but the councils whose productivity performance has earned them a place in the I...

FINANCE

Lessons in tourism levies

By Martin Ford | 05 February 2026

Powers to implement visitor levies will soon be available in all corners of the country. Martin Ford looks at the story so far and what England can learn fro...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman