‘Ease the pain’ and slash Scots’ bills, Tories tell Swinney ahead of budget

The First Minister has been urged to “ease the pain” and slash Scots’ bills at next week’s budget.

The Scottish Conservatives have called on John Swinney to cut taxes on people and businesses.

The party will lead two debates at Holyrood calling for lower income taxes and a pause to the SNP’s non-domestic rates revaluation, which it says “threatens to cripple Scottish firms”.

The Tories will continue their calls for the Government to increase the thresholds that Scots start paying income tax – and start paying the higher rate – in line with inflation.

Craig Hoy, the party’s finance spokesman, will also demand a reduction in the income tax rate to 19%.

Mr Hoy said: “It’s time for John Swinney to finally ease the pain he’s inflicted on Scottish households.

“Hard-working Scots are continually being asked to pay more in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

“It’s unsustainable and unfair. In the budget, his government must increase income tax thresholds in line with inflation to end the SNP’s stealth tax rises and cut bills for lower and middle earners.

“The SNP can’t keep hammering hard-working Scots to pay for ever-spiralling welfare bills.

“Enough is enough – workers need to keep more of their money to generate the economic growth required to fund our essential services.”

Meanwhile, fellow Tory MSP Murdo Fraser will call on the SNP to drop plans for rates rises, which the Tories warn would “devastate” businesses.

He said ahead of the Holyrood debate: “The SNP must realise that their planned rate rises will sound the death knell for businesses up and down Scotland if it goes ahead.

“Businesses cannot absorb increases of 300% in their rates bills. Ministers must announce an immediate pause and go back to the drawing board.

“This threatens to kill countless pubs, restaurants and hotels – and the jobs that go with them.

“Scottish businesses have already been hammered by the SNP’s failure to pass on business rates relief and Labour’s crippling national insurance increase.

“Firms are pleading with ministers to think again before it’s too late – and the Scottish Conservatives stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Scottish Government’s tax decisions enable us to deliver higher investment in the NHS and policies like free tuition not available anywhere else in the UK, while ensuring the majority of taxpayers are expected to pay less income tax than elsewhere in the UK.

“Tax policy for 2026-27 will be announced at the Scottish Budget on January 13 2026.”