Response 997542354

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Questions

1. How should the Scottish Government use its devolved and local tax powers to support the COVID-19 recovery as part of Budget 2021-22?

Some businesses add a COVID premium to services could local authorities and/or community facilities e.g. leisure do similar? Might help people understand the need for an increase

2. Are there any further tax powers that should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament to facilitate our ability to support the economic recovery?

UK Gov will not devolve in the short term at least additional taxes and if they did, that would affect block grant. Income tax and business rates increases are difficult politically. I believe landfill use has increased so a tax rise may provide additional income whilst being seen as progressively green

3. Are there any new tax proposals you would like to see implemented by the Scottish Government?

1. Tourist tax
2. Pay to use public toilets

4. What particular fiscal challenges have been highlighted as a result of the COVID-19 emergency?

Inflexibility of UK treasury funding direct to Scottish business which doesn't take into account different sectors and business needs

Lack of borrowing powers to address Scottish specific issues

5. What changes, if any, should be made to the scope of devolved fiscal powers under the Fiscal Framework?

1. Allow increased borrowing
2. Ability to convert £ for capital spending to other spending

6. What fiscal rules should the Scottish Government follow?

Borrowing limits should be set

Our ability to re-pay borrowing should not be set against the faux deficit numbers e.g GERS as we do not spend billions on defence etc

About you

7. What is your name?

James Mackay

9. Are you responding as an individual or an organisation?

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