21 Oct 2017

#SGPConf: Harvie says tax reform is "only way" Government can expect Green support for budget

Scottish Greens meeting at their Autumn conference in Edinburgh today (21 Oct) heard from party co-convener Patrick Harvie MSP that tax reform is the "only way" the minority SNP Government can expect Green support for the 2018-19 budget. Addressing the conference in his keynote speech, Mr Harvie reiterated his call for the SNP to drop their policy of cutting tax for the aviation industry and wealthy frequent fliers. He said: "Don't just pause ADT cuts. Cancel them. The SNP have no case environmentally, socially, economically. Even in simple transport terms there are bigger priorities. ADT cuts are now on hold. It's time to scrap the policy altogether. "We also need to see public sector pay rise above inflation and funded because merely scrapping the cap without providing the resources will change nothing, we need local authorities funded to restore lost value, and we need investment in low carbon infrastructure to hit 70 percent by the end of this parliament.  "We can't do any of that without tax reform. Let's cut tax for low earners, and reduce inequality. Greens are clearly leading the change on tax policy. We have a very clear message for the Finance Secretary. This is the only way you'll get Green support for the budget."