PRESS RELEASE
24 February 2010
EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 HOURS THURSDAY 25th FEBRUARY
‘A Modern Local Tax System is within Scotland’s Reach’
Brian Jeffrey, President of the IRRV’s Scottish Association, will today tell an audience of over 80 local taxation professionals that a current professional Inquiry is on track to deliver the blueprint for a local taxation system that is ‘truly fit for Scotland’s needs in the 21st century and beyond’.
The IRRV launched its Committee of Inquiry into local taxation in Scotland in late 2009 and will publish its full report in September 2010.
Addressing the IRRV Scotland AGM in Falkirk, Mr Jeffrey said:
"This study is being undertaken by the revenues and benefits professionals who administer the current council tax and non-domestic rates systems. They are ideally placed to consider the many complex elements that are required in an efficient and effective local tax system.
"What we need is a system that is at its heart responsive to the ability to pay and is relatively simple to understand and administer. The public deserve a system that it is cost efficient and that can sustain a realistic level of contribution to the cost of local government services.
"Year-on-year council tax freezes cannot sustain Scottish local government in even the medium term. Services to the public will suffer fundamentally if a way forward is not found soon. Change is needed and needs to be embraced. We are confident that the Inquiry’s final report will identify an innovative and tailored solution to Scotland’s current local taxation dilemma"
The Inquiry is examining a range of funding options, including property-based taxes and other sources of funding. Importantly, the review will identify whether there are suitable mixes of funding options.
The work is being undertaken by IRRV Scotland, the body which represents local taxation professionals working in all of Scotland’s local authorities
ENDS
Notes for the Editor
The Scottish Association of the IRRV launched its Committee of Inquiry into Local Taxation in Scotland, in September 2009.
The Committee is presenting a progress report to the IRRV Scottish Association AGM in Falkirk on Thursday 25 February 2010 at Falkirk Municipal Chambers. It will present its final report to the IRRV Scottish Conference in September 2010. It will also submit its findings to the main Scottish political parties.
The Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) was founded in 1882 and is the UK’s leading professional body in the field of local authority revenues, including the associated valuation for local taxation and the administration of housing and council tax benefits.
The Scottish Association of IRRV has around 400 members in Scotland. The IRRV's Scottish Revenues Forum includes membership drawn from all councils in Scotland, as well as representatives from the Assessors’ Association, the Accounts Commission and the Scottish Government.
Contacts for further information:
Brian Jeffrey, IRRV Scottish Association President: 07966 157829
Fraser Macpherson, IRRV Development Manager: Mobile 07899 877883 (including out of office hours)
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