Support for Adam Smith’s four principles

A survey has found overwhelming support for the Adam Smith principles that underpin the Scottish government’s approach to devolved taxes. But less than a quarter of those surveyed believe the four principles of proportionality certainty efficiency and convenience will be achievable.

The findings are included in a submission by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group (LITRG) and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT) to the Scottish parliament’s finance committee’s enquiry into a devolved approach to taxation.

The submission also suggests that the principles could be enshrined in legislation. The Scottish Fiscal Commission could then review tax law against them.

With new powers over tax and spending set to be devolved from the UK Parliament to Holyrood in 2017 the CIOT and ATT reiterated their call for a campaign to educate and inform the public of the changes.

The survey also...