Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The Scottish Budget will be released on Wednesday, revealing how much tax will be imposed on Scots for the next financial year. Unique income tax levels will be disclosed, along with information about the Scottish government’s funding for services such as schools, transport and the NHS. Those with a range of incomes have told BBC News Scotland what they hope to see in the Budget, as well as their concerns about the impacts it may have on their lives.
Llion Wright-Evans is a 24-year-old student nurse living in Glasgow. Leaving a team leader role in a care home was a significant shift for him in terms of income: he now earns £770 per month, with his training due to give him a starting salary of £16.50 an hour. He believes that investment from the Scottish government would be particularly beneficial for the NHS. The decisions made in the Budget could have serious implications for his ability to afford essentials, such as food, as well as luxuries like treats. Wright-Evans lives with his partner and notes that many of his contemporaries live alone and struggle even more.
After 25 years running Oro restaurant in Glasgow’s Shawlands area, Domenico Crolla says that in the past five years he has not had to put prices up as much. The number of times that Oro has put its prices up has grown from every one or two years to twice annually. He is keen to see the Scottish government pass on Barnett consequentials cash to the restaurant industry, something which has yet to occur. Crolla feels that both the Scottish and UK governments are imposing “stealth taxes” on the industry and that the burden on customers cannot continue to grow indefinitely. He calls for help with ever-increasing business rates.
Reverend Derek Gunn in Falkirk is concerned about the loss of the winter fuel allowance. Despite income levels not being seriously affected, he worries about others who may be more vulnerable. His work as a part-time minister means that he now tops up his pension by working, but fears for the loss of income when he gives up that role. Gunn is also anxious about rising food prices. Weekly shopping bills have increased by £15 compared to last year, he says.
Elise Prentice, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, works in a sustainable textiles charity as a creative assistant, as well as freelance artist. Their income is reliant on monthly hours, which can average around £10,000 a year. As a working-class creative, Prentice believes that cuts are reducing opportunities for success
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.