We struggle to invest in good public services
The alternative is simple. A more equal income spread which generates much more tax income from the same tax rates. A simpler tax system in which it is very hard to avoid paying your fair share. ‘Frontline first’ public services run by professionals and not professional managers. A society which is not generating ever-bigger problems to solve as its economy does more and more damage to our citizens and our environment.
Common Weal is unconvinced this can be achieved through devolution. While the Scottish Parliament has many powers it can use in many areas, its powers over tax and money are very severely limited and it has no power at all over some of the big monetary and fiscal policies it would take to tackle this problem properly; the Scottish Parliament can barely even borrow money. We therefore believe that seriously solving this problem will require Scottish independence. This brings new challenges like bedding in a new currency and developing a medium-term monetary strategy. But we believe that is the best chance Scotland has for sustainable public services and manageable tax rates.