Taxing questions put to the electorate in Dumfriespublished at 14:46 BST
14:46 BST
Glenn Campbell
BBC Scotland Political Editor
The tax clash on the STV leaders’ debate reveals one of
the big dividing lines in this election – where the parties stand on using
Holyrood’s income tax powers.
At the moment, while a majority (55%) of earners pay a
little bit less than they would in England, the rest (45%) are expected to pay
more — increasingly so as their income rises.
In Dumfries, we asked voters if they thought this
principle was fair.
Image caption,
Thomas says “the more you put in, the less you get out”
Thomas, who is in the early stages of his career, said that he felt that “the more you put in, the less you get out”.
He also argued that higher tax on higher earnings could be a disincentive to those with ambition.
“I feel like it’s unfair especially as you work your way up. Makes you feel like ‘what’s the point?’”
Image caption,
Amy says we must look after society as a whole
By contrast, Amy who is a student receiving free university tuition that’s not available in other parts of the UK said “I think that we should look after society as a whole.
“I also think that by paying a little bit more we are getting more up here in Scotland so I would like to see that continue”.
The bigger income tax take from higher earners in Scotland helps to fund a more generous welfare system.
Some politicians think it’s too generous and that cutting it would encourage more people into work. Others think it provides essential support to those on the lowest incomes and helps to reduce poverty.