The Scottish government has announced income tax changes that will see higher earners pay more than elsewhere in the UK - and lower earners pay less....
The country's finance secretary, Derek Mackay, announced a new tax band of 21p for those earning more than £24,000.
But a starter rate of 19p in the pound will also be introduced, Mr Mackay confirmed in his draft budget.
The higher rate of tax will be increased from 40p to 41p and the top rate from 45p to 46p.
Mr Mackay said the move will mean no one earning less than £33,000 in Scotland will pay more tax.
And he told the Scottish Parliament that those earning above that figure would only pay a "proportionate amount more" than they currently do.
The Scottish government was given powers over income tax rates and bands last year, with the new rates being paid by anyone who lives in Scotland.
Mr Mackay had faced warnings from business leaders and the Scottish Conservatives ahead of his budget statement that Scotland could not afford to be associated with higher taxation than the rest of the UK.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
No comments: