Council tax bills would rise under plan for huge shakeup of the system in Scotland
Wealthy Scots would be hit by massive council tax rises under plans for a massive shake up of the system.
The Scottish Greens have tabled proposals for the first revaluation of every property in over thirty years in a bid to make council tax fairer.
Green MSP Ross Greer: 'The wealthiest people in the most valuable houses are getting off with an absolute steal. They pay far less than they should, whilst far too many ordinary households pay much more.'
Scots households pay council tax according to bands based on the estimated value of homes in 1991.
The historic property price system has never been updated and experts believe over half of homes are now in the wrong band.
A Scottish Green amendment to housing legislation would require a revaluation to be completed by early 2029.
The party believes the status quo shields the wealthiest and they would accompany a revaluation with plans to protect people on modest incomes.
Greer said: 'The Council Tax is based on property values from before I was even born and as a result, it is now completely broken. We wouldn't tolerate most people paying the wrong rate of income tax, but that is exactly what has been allowed to happen here after 34 years.
'It may sound dry, but the Council Tax is crucial to funding schools, social care, bin collections and other local services. It should never have been allowed to become this completely broken."
He added: 'This system was a quick and dirty replacement for Thatcher's hated Poll Tax. Everyone has agreed for years that it must be replaced completely. Despite this, the Scottish Government has lacked the courage to actually make that change.
'The Scottish Greens have made some important changes recently, including doubling Council Tax for second homes to help tackle the housing crisis. However, we know that total reform is urgently needed. That can't happen without ditching the 1991 property valuations and bringing the system into this century.
'Those with the broadest shoulders and in the biggest houses should be paying more than those less privileged to fund the local services we all rely on.'
In March, SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison said she would be 'keen' on moves to create new council tax bands for more expensive homes.
She said: 'Creating more bands within the council tax system itself is an inherently progressive thing to do.'
She said of a revaluation: 'If you could do something about 1991 property values in a way that is pragmatic, practical and with consensus, then I think that's better. That's progress, rather than nothing.'
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We have announced a joint programme of engagement with COSLA to build consensus around reforms to make Council Tax fairer. This will commence this year.'
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