Yousaf won't rule out new wealth taxes

Nats leader prioritises cutting child poverty

- PAUL HUTCHEON

HUMZA Yousaf will not rule out a wealth tax in a bid to plug a £1billion funding black hole.

The first minister made the comment at an event in Edinburgh after softening his support for a new income tax band for higher earners,

He said Tory tax cuts would create a bigger divergence with tax rates in Scotland and could influence his final decision. He was speaking the day after delivering his first Programme for Government.

He cited cutting child poverty levels as his top priority and higher benefits could be announced in his draft Budget. He is also having to find £1billion in higher taxes and spending cuts.