IRRV

The IRRV is holding a two day conference at the luxurious Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire. Why is this of interest and importance to Scotland?

The IRRV is the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation and it will be looking into the main options for local taxation reform. It is the UK's leading professional body in the field of local authority revenues.

All Scotland's political parties have clarified their positions.

The SNP recently announced that its plans to introduce a local income tax to replace the council tax will be postponed until after the 2011 elections.

The Scottish Labour Party said it is committed to a reformed property-based tax.

The Scottish libdems support a local income tax, with local authorities being given the power to vary the rate locally.

The Scottish tories want a reform of council tax.

A spokesman for the IRRV said that the Institute regards the time as 'being right' for it to take a leading part in the debate about what local taxation system would best serve the needs of Scotland.

The inquiry will look into council tax valuation, council tax administration and council tax benefit administration.

"It is vitally important that any system properly takes into account the ability to pay," said Brian Jeffrey, IRRV Scottish Association president.

"We have an opportunity to be bold and innovative and to tailor a local taxation system that suits the needs of the Scottish people, without sacrificing the financial stability of local authority services. The IRRV's committee of inquiry will explore all key options for buoyant sources of local funding and will consider what the best local taxation options are for Scotland."

The result of this inquiry will affect all of us.

Source: Courier

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