Wealth tax will not work, says Scottish Secretary
Speaking to comedian Matt Forde, the Labour minister said he 'wished' it worked but suggested wealthy people would leave the country.
Some within Labour, including former leader Lord Neil Kinnock, Welsh First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan and former equality minister Anneliese Dodds, have backed the idea.
It has also become popular among unions and other left-wing parties, including the Greens and Jeremy Corbyn's new, unnamed party.
On Thursday, Mr Murray said there was 'no silver bullet' to the economic issues facing the country, saying 'if you pull one leaver you have to push another' in a reference to tax rises and public spending cuts.
He said while some UK Government decisions have been 'unpalatable', 'things would have been even more unpalatable' if they did not make tough choices.
Asked if a wealth tax could be a solution to the issue, the Scottish Secretary said: 'No, it doesn't work. The Laffer curve (a theory showing the relationship between taxation and a government's revenue) is there for everyone to see.
'So, yes, you can bring in a wealth tax, because it might make you feel principally better.
'You might bring in £200 million but the cost of doing that would be huge because there is just flight, whether we like that or not.'
Mr Murray said the tax had failed in other countries which, he said, had since gone on to roll back their decisions.
He said: 'Every single principal decision we have to make has got to be on the basis of does it raise more money?
'Is it fair? Is it equitable? And will it resolve the situation?
'If the answer to any of those questions is no, we should not do it.
'So the wealth tax, and honestly, the wealth tax has been spent about 500 times over already for every single issue – just doing well tax, it doesn't work.
'I wish it did, but it doesn't.'
Mr Murray added that the 'only real palatable option' was to grow the economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
39 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Rangers deal ‘close', Celtic 'join' £4.3m race, Scotland stars in demand
Scottish transfer news from Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and the Scotland national team this Friday morning. Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here are the top Scottish transfer stories, rumours and gossip on Monday morning, including the latest news from Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and the Scotland national team. Aberdeen's move for Marko Lazetic is entering the 'final stages', according to reports. | AFP via Getty Images Aberdeen deal enters 'final stages' Aberdeen's move to bring AC Milan youngster Marko Lazetic to the club is entering the 'final stages' after the two clubs agreed a deal for the striker over the weekend. Head coach Jimmy Thelin is desperate to add more firepower to his squad after seeing his side fail to score in their opening two games. He also allowed Senegalese attacker Pape Habib Guèye to join Kasimpasa last week. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A deal for Lazetic had stalled last week, with the Dons unable to reach an agreement on a fee for the player, though talks over the weekend appeared to have resulted in the two clubs reaching a compromise for the player, who cost the San Siro outfit £3.5million when he joined from Red Star Belgrade three years ago. However, according to a report from the Daily Record, Aberdeen have now struck up a 'bargain' agreement that will see them land the Serbian youth international on a free transfer, with the club striking a deal that will only see them pay a 20 per cent sell-on. Lennon Miller has serious transfer interest from a number of Serie A clubs - with one to make a transfer breakthrough following an improved bid. | SNS Group Lennon Miller latest Scotland international Lennon Miller is edging closer to the Fir Park exit door after Udinese 'opened fresh talks' with Motherwell over a move for the teenage starlet, according to reports. The 18-year-old midfielder is in serious demand and was not included in the matchday squad for Saturday's 0-0 draw with St Mirren in Paisley, as talks continue over a departure. Fellow Serie A outfits Bologna, Fiorentina and Torino are all believed to be vying with I Bianconeri for the teenager's signature this summer, while Celtic are also credited with a long-term interest in the Scottish talent. The first club to launch an official bid, Kosta Runjaić's side had a bid of £2.5million rejected for the midfielder in January, but are now hoping an improved bid of £4.5million will be accepted and allow them to bring Miller to the Bluenergy Stadium this month. Scotland defender Max Johnston has interest from several clubs on the continent. | Getty Images Scotland starlet in-demand In-demand Scotland defender Max Johnston continues to be linked with a move away from Sturm Graz this month, with Derby County now said to be ready to return with a third bid for the 21-year-old defender this week. Johnston had been linked to several clubs from around the continent, with Atalanta, Lens, Nice, Southampton, Sunderland, Augsburg, AS Saint-Étienne and Hamburg all being credited with an interest in the player this summer. Die Schwoazn is believed to be looking for a fee of around £3million. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Derby have already had bids of £1.4m and £1.6m knocked back by the Austrian outfit in the last week, with Panathinaikos also now joining the race for his signature, with the Greek side said to be 'closely monitoring' his situation at the Merkur Arena. The ex-Motherwell youngster remains under contract for the Austrian Bundesliga champions until 2027 and was a regular starter last season, as Sturm Graz were crowned Austrian champions for the second season in a row. Celtic have been credited with an interest in Le Havre centre-back Etienne Youte this summer. | AFP via Getty Images Celtic join £4.3m race Celtic are ready to rival both Anderlecht and Besiktas for £4.3million-rated Etienne Youte, as head coach Brendan Rodgers looks to bolster his defence further ahead of the transfer window slamming shut on September 1. The Hoops boss secured the season-long loan signing of Manchester City centre-back Jahmai Simpson-Pusey last week, but reports from French site Paris Normandie have linked the Scottish champions with interest in the Le Havre ace. The 23-year-old featured regularly in Ligue 1 last season, as they escaped relegation on the final day of the season. With just one year left on his current deal at Stade Oceane this month. 'I know now that I have to be patient before making a decision,' said Youte told the French press. 'For the moment, I'm here and I feel good within this group. I'm preparing for the season. If there are interesting offers for me and for the club, we will find an agreement together." Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy has chosen to move to Rangers, ahead of Rayo Vallecano, according to reports. | Getty Images Rangers deal 'close' Rangers are closing in on the signing of Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy, despite weekend reports from journalist Fran Campos Vázquez claiming he had opted to sign for La Liga rivals Rayo Vallecano instead. The 20-year-old Senegalese centre-back reached an agreement on personal terms with both the Gers and Los Franjirrojos last week, and was keen to make a 'quick decision' over his future, as per reports. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Daily Record
41 minutes ago
- Daily Record
First Minister backs Blairgowrie and Rattray running event
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney said Rattray Beaver Run is an important event on the Blairgowrie calendar. First Minister John Swinney has welcomed Kilmac's five-figure sponsorship package to secure the future of a popular Perthshire half marathon and 10k race for the next three years. Entries are already flooding in for the rebranded 2025 Rattray Beaver Run on Sunday, September 21. It is being organised this year by the Blairgowrie and District Rotary Club, with backing from Tayside groundworks specialists and long-standing Perthshire Chamber of Commerce members Kilmac. The charities which will benefit from the autumn fundraiser are Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance, based at Perth Airport, and Parkinson's UK. 'I'm very happy that Kilmac have stepped in to ensure that the event goes ahead for the next three years,' said Perthshire North MSP Mr Swinney, during a visit to the Kilmac stand at Perth Show. 'It is an important event on the Blairgowrie calendar and popular with locals and visitors who are attracted to the area. 'It relies on good, solid organisation and a reliable funding base. 'The Rotarians provide great leadership, but they need support to make it happen so the partnership with Kilmac is a great example of working together for the benefit of the local community.' Rotarian and former Perth and Kinross councillor Bob Ellis echoed Mr Swinney's sentiments and said the team of volunteers was looking forward to hosting an event which is regarded as one of the most scenic – but toughest - challenges on the Scottish circuit. 'As we acknowledge, the Rattray Beaver Run is indeed 'dam tough' but it takes in some lovely Perthshire countryside and scenic rural roads,' he explained. 'It starts and finishes near Rattray Primary School and participants will receive a Beaver Run branded buff and medal memento, along with a post-run buffet.' To sign up for the Rattray Beaver Run go to and to support the event and the charities, visit:
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
New Adult Disability Payment update for people worried about impact of PIP reforms
A new review suggests the devolved disability benefit should be simplified and made more accessible. How to apply for a Blue Badge The Scottish Government has confirmed it will not make any changes to Adult Disability Payment (ADP), the devolved benefit that has replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for nearly half a million people living north of the border. Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Shirley-Anne Somerville, made the comments in response to the findings of an independent review of Adult Disability Payment. Ms Somerville said: 'While the UK Government seeks to make cuts to the vital support disabled people rely on, I want to make clear that we will not cut Adult Disability Payment. Instead, we will work to protect and enhance Scotland's social security system, improving on what we have achieved so far.' The review of the Scottish disability payment has called for the benefit to be simplified and made more accessible. Led by charity leader Edel Harris, the review calls for automatic entitlement to the benefit in some cases. The report, commissioned by the Scottish Government, found that while ADP is more 'compassionate' than the UK benefit it replaced [PIP], some people still face barriers and distress when applying. Ms Harris welcomed several changes from the previous assessments carried out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), but said there is more to be done to deliver a human rights-based approach to the benefit that delivers for disabled people. The chairwoman of the Adult Disability Payment Review made more than 50 recommendations to improve the service. These include: Enhancing the client experience and embedding trauma-informed, stigma-free approaches. Simplifying the application form and improving the decision-making process. Training, guidance, and clearer communication for staff and clients. Reviewing eligibility criteria and improving fairness in decision-making. A key recommendation from the review is that eligibility should be based on the real-life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities. The report recommends the application process is made easier for those with fluctuating conditions and mental health problems, and calls for welfare advice services to be sustainably funded. Ms Harris said: 'Adult Disability Payment has been described by many as a step-change - kinder in tone and more dignified in approach. But too often, disabled people still find the system difficult to navigate, time-consuming, and anxiety-inducing. 'I heard consistently that if we are to realise social security as an investment in people, it is important to ensure that the eligibility criteria fulfil this goal. This review highlights the importance of a system that is not only compassionate, but practical and accessible. 'The recommendations are based on real experiences and a shared commitment to making adult disability payment work better for everyone who needs it.' Responding to the findings, Ms Somerville said: 'The Scottish Government's approach to providing social security is a compassionate one, based on dignity, fairness and respect, and I am very encouraged to read the feedback from disabled people that this has been reflected in their positive interactions with Social Security Scotland.' The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice added: 'I very much appreciate the comprehensive recommendations this report provides for how we can improve adult disability payment.' Ms Somerville also said the Scottish Government will 'carefully consider all of the recommendations' in the report and provide its initial response by January next year. The full report can be found on the Scottish Government website. The latest figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are currently 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment. The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim this month could have an award decision before the end of October, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Who might be eligible for ADP or PIP? To be eligible for ADP or PIP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above, if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. preparing, cooking or eating food managing your medication washing, bathing or using the toilet dressing and undressing engaging and communicating with other people reading and understanding written information making decisions about money planning a journey or following a route moving around There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here for PIP and here for ADP. DWP or Social Security Scotland will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment How are ADP and PIP paid? ADP and PIP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. ADP and PIP payment rates You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive for PIP and your rate will be regularly reviewed by the DWP to make sure you are getting the right support. ADP and PIP are made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed for PIP by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. You can find out more about DWP PIP assessments here. Adult Disability Payment consultations will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant and will be conducted by in-house Social Security Scotland staff - find out more about the changes here. How to apply for PIP You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital How to apply for ADP People can apply ADP, over the phone, by post or in-person. To find out more or apply, visit the dedicated pages on here or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
