Scots devolution brings fears of income tax rises
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• Scottish hauliers have expressed their concern at another blow to their businesses following results from a recent survey suggesting that 7% of Scottish businesses will relocate if the new Scottish Pai-liament makes use of its income tax raising powers.
The survey, carried out by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, questioned 102 Scottish business leaders in the sectors of retail, wholesale, manufacturing and distribution. It found only 12% were "tied to staying in Scotland", while 59% feared that the tax varying powers of a Scottish Parliament would harm their businesses.
Jim McNeill, managing director of Glasgow-based haulier Malcolm McNeill, says: "If Scottish businesses are to up and leave it will have a heavy knock-on effect for the haulage industry. Although it is too • early to say yet what effect
tax varying powers will dr bring, I don't think it will be too positive."
But McNeill says if pressures caused by increased taxation were too much his company would close down rather than relocate. "We have roots here," he says. "Besides, it's difficult enough to find work here than look for it elsewhere."
Russell Sibbald of D&J Sibbald, in Bathgate, says he has never been in favour of a Scottish Parliament. He describes it as a "right carryon", adding: "This proves the effects of tax varying powers will affect profit levels in the haulage industry."
However, both he and a spokesperson for Dumbartonbased Alan Galt Transport say they would never contemplate moving their operating centres out of Scotland.