The Alba Party has vowed to scrap the council tax altogether if it gains seats in Holyrood at the next Scottish Parliament election.
Describing the current system as “unfair, outdated and regressive,” the party believes the time has come for a complete overhaul.
Councillor Chris Cullen of South Ayrshire made the announcement at the party’s national conference.
He warned that local authorities across Scotland are facing record financial pressures and are being forced to raise council tax simply to stay afloat.
Cullen pointed out that this isn’t about choice, but about survival.
He explained that most of the money councils receive comes from the Scottish Government.
That money, he argued, is increasingly tied up in ring-fenced projects.
This leaves councils with shrinking flexibility to meet the unique needs of their local communities.
The result, Cullen said, is a centralised funding system that limits local democracy and punishes ordinary households.
He said the only solution is a complete reset, starting with scrapping the current council tax system.
Backing the call, Alba Depute Leader Neale Hanvey said the political will to make the change has been lacking for too long.
He accused other parties of ignoring the growing consensus that council tax is no longer fit for purpose.
Hanvey criticised those in power for what he described as punishing hard-working families with an outdated tax regime.
He said Alba is ready to lead the charge where others won’t.
According to Hanvey, Alba will present a “radical manifesto” for next year’s Holyrood election.
He said the party will not shy away from bold ideas that bring real change to people’s lives.
Scrapping council tax, he added, will be at the heart of that offer.
The party hopes this commitment will set them apart from the political status quo.
They argue that while others talk about reform, they are prepared to act.
With cost-of-living pressures biting hard, Alba believes its message will strike a chord with voters.
They say now is the time to redesign how local services are funded across Scotland.
And they want the public to know they are not afraid to take that leap.
