Today the Scottish Parliament is debating how the Scottish Government can use devolved tax powers to raise more money to address social and environmental challenges facing the country, such as poverty and climate change.
Responding to the debate, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “It’s time for bold, long-term tax reform that delivers fairness, resilience and prosperity. Trying to solve today’s problems with yesterday’s tools is like bringing a bucket to a flood. We must use the upcoming Scottish Budget and Scottish Ministers’ new Tax Strategy to rethink how we can fairly raise more money while combatting deep inequalities – by taxing wealth, not just wages; tackling climate change by targeting polluters, like private jet users; and rewarding businesses that do the right thing, like paying a Real Living Wage. It’s time to rewrite the rules and create a fairer, more sustainable Scotland that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”
/ENDS
For more information and interviews, please contact: Rebecca Lozza, Oxfam Media and Communications Adviser, Scotland and Wales: rlozza1@oxfam.org.uk / 07917738450