PAY MORE COUNCIL TAX IF YOU HAVE A CONSERVATORY

Working group considers extension levy on done-up homes

- PAUL HUTCHEON

AN "EXTENSION tax" to boost town hall coffers is being considered by council chiefs and the Scottish Government.

The Daily Record revealed yesterday that a working group - including Scottish Government ministers and local authority chiefs is considering a rise in council tax for those in more expensive properties.

Today we can reveal that the group is also looking at charging more council tax on homes that have been extended - including conservatories.

Last night opposition MSPs said it was the wrong move during a cost-of-living crisis.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin said: "Councils have been left scrambling to fill the budget black hole that the SNP created and tweak an outdated council tax system that the SNP promised to scrap. As if the looming threat of painful council tax hikes wasn't enough, now Scots might have an extension tax to worry about.

"We are in the worst cost-ofliving crisis in decades and Scots cannot afford to keep paying the price for the SNP's economic failure."