End religious council tax perks!

September 29, 2016

Religion

Humanist Society Scotland has called on The Scottish Parliament to end unfair perks given to religious organisations through the Council Tax system.

Responding to a call for evidence from the Local Government and Communities Committee at Holyrood, HSS has submitted evidence outlining the ways in which religious organisations are given privileges in the Council Tax system.

The main issue highlighted by HSS is that whilst non-religious groups and individuals who own properties can apply for an exemption for up to 6 months, religious groups have an indefinite exemption.

Commenting on this HSS Chief Executive Gordon MacRae said:

At a time when the owners of over 25,000 empty homes are still required to pay Council Tax, I think most people in Scotland will find these religious exemptions hard to stomach.

We need a law in Scotland that is fair for all, especially as we now know that a majority of people in Scotland are not religious.

Notes:

For further comment please contact Gary McLelland on 07813060713 or gary@humanism.scot.

For more information on the Religion in Law report, see: https://www.humanism.scot/what-we-do/news/religion-in-scots-law-landmark-report-published-by-humanist-society-scotland/

You can view HSS’s submission to the Committee here: https://www.humanism.scot/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/HSSresponsetotheCouncilTaxSubstitutionofProportionScotlandOrder2016.pdf

About HSS: Humanist Society Scotland seeks to represent the views of people in Scotland who wish to lead ethical and fulfilling lives guided by reason, empathy and compassion. We provide a range of non-religious ceremonies and campaign for a secular state. HSS has over 14,000 members across Scotland.