Scots warned on devolution
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by David Craik • Scottish hauliers have urged their colleagues to drop their Braveheart fantasies and face up to the frightening financial consequences of devolution.
A yes/yes vote on II September giving a future Scottish Parliament taxraising powers would lead to haulage businesses collapsing, warns Alan Galt, owner of Dumbarton-based Galt Transport.
"There is no chance that income tax or business rates over which a parliament will have independent control will come down," says Galt. It has been speculated that a Scottish Parliament could levy an extra 3p income tax.
"Any such increase would make us less competitive against English hauliers, leading to frightening job losses," he adds.
Galt says Scotland does not need any more barriers to free trade—something he says devolution would cause. He believes devolution could also alienate English customers. "There is too much glib talk about Braveheart—we must think of the greater picture." Gait's view is shared by other Scottish hauliers who talked to CM.
Russell Sibbald, partner of Bathgate-based D&J Sibbald, is worried that costs for Scottish hauliers will be higher than for their southern competitors, affecting profit levels.
"We need to get away from Willie Wallace and the kilt wearing," he says. "We need to look at the financial consequences."
One haulier who will be voting yes/yes is John Welsh, owner of Stirlingbased John Welsh Road Haulage and Trading. He does not see a 3p rise in income tax as a big issue.
"A Scottish Parliament would let Scotland debate Scottish transport issues," he says. "It will he good for us."