BBC News | SCOTLAND | Scots 'want' more tax powers

Two thirds of Scots want the Scottish Parliament to be given greater tax raising powers, according to a newspaper survey.

The ICM poll for the Scotland on Sunday newspaper said that the majority of Scots want taxes to be set by an independent treasury in Edinburgh as opposed to Westminster.

The poll also said that First Minister, Henry McLeish enjoys a high personal approval rating but it said that nearly half of Scots do not trust Tony Blair to keep his promises.

Despite strong support for more tax raising powers, the poll said three quarters of Scots do not support independence.

John Swinney: "excellent poll for the SNP"
The ICM poll said that many Scots were also disillusioned by the state of the National Health Service.

It said that eight out of 10 believe the NHS has either got worse or no better despite Labour's manifesto pledge at the last general election to create the most modern health service in Europe.

The poll said that Labour's support has dropped four points from its 46% level in 1996.

The results also suggested that the Conservatives will again be left without a single MP after the next General Election.

Scottish National Party (SNP) Leader, John Swinney, said the results showed that Scotland was on the road to independence.

"This is an excellent poll for the SNP and for Scotland," he said.

"It shows that over two-thirds of Scots want full fiscal freedom for the Scottish Parliament, which confirms that Scotland is in a process of independence.


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