16.12.2016
Members of the public will have a new opportunity using social media to put questions to Scotland’s Finance Minister Derek Mackay about Scotland’s Budget, says Holyrood’s Finance Committee.
Anyone with views on yesterday’s budget statement (15 December) can tweet their questions for MSPs to raise with the Cabinet Secretary when he appears before the committee in the new year.
Whether you are a member of the public or a tax expert, MSPs on the committee want to hear your views and your budget-related questions.
The move comes as MSPs begin the process of scrutinising the Scottish Government budget bill for 2017/18.
Finance and Constitution Committee convener Bruce Crawford MSP said:
"This year's budget process is highly significant. Income tax powers are about to be devolved to Holyrood from 1 April 2017.
“That means a greater proportion of the money we plan to spend in Scotland will have to be raised in Scotland by the taxes that people and businesses pay.
"Now that the Scottish Government has announced its draft budget for 2017/18, MSPs are about to start looking at the Government’s spending plans but also any new tax raising proposals in order to pay for public services
“In January, Holyrood’s Finance and Constitution Committee will question Scotland’s Finance Minister on his proposed spending and tax policies. We want to give the public the chance to put their questions to Derek Mackay as well.
“Tell us what you'd like to ask the Finance Minister about spending plans and his income tax plans or perhaps his business rates proposals and we’ll put these to him on Monday 16 January."
Get in touch with the Finance and Constitution Committee: @SP_FinCon
Use the hashtag #askthecabsec
Close on Wednesday 21 December 2016.
Make sure your question is about the tax aspects in the budget.
The Committee will publish your tax-related questions online in advance of 16 January’s meeting and use these to cross examine the Finance Minister.
We'll ask the Scottish Government to respond online to any questions not covered on the day so you get an answer to your question.
Suggested topics for questions
To help inform its budget scrutiny work, the Finance and Constitution Committee would like to hear your questions on the tax aspects of the budget, this could include questions on:
- the rate of income tax and / or bands
- Land and Building Transaction Tax
- Business rates
- Council Tax
Include your name or organisation if you would like that published alongside your Twitter handle.
Members of the committee will be online during the Q&A session as well.