Scott calls for cut in income tax

Mr Scott told the conference inflation was at a 16-year high

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott has called on Holyrood ministers to bring forward an emergency income tax cut to help struggling families.

Mr Scott said a 2p in the pound cut would save the average Scot more than �300 a year, easing the pain of the current economic slowdown.

He issued the challenge during a speech to the UK Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth.

Scottish families were being hit hard by rising prices, he said.

Mr Scott issued a challenge to the Scottish Government and opposition parties to use the Scottish Parliament's powers, which can vary income tax by up to 3p.

Where others talk tax up, I want to bring tax down Tavish Scott Scottish Liberal Democrat leader

He told delegates that energy costs were up by half, food costs had increased by �30 a month and inflation was at its highest for 16 years.

"We can't let this go on," the Shetland MSP said.

"We can't turn our backs. We've got to find ways to help people out, because we know things are going to get worse."

He said it was time to put cash back into the pockets of people who needed it most.

Mr Scott added: "That is my practical ambition.

"Where others talk tax up, I want to bring tax down."

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