In the run-up to conference, the Scottish Greens co-leaders had expressed concern over the announcement by Humza Yousaf that council tax will be frozen next year to help people with the cost of living crisis. HarvieHe said Green MSPs will secure agreement on a timetable and a way of working for this so that a “firm” alternative is put forward by the end of the current Scottish Parliamentary term in 2026., including giving local councils the powers to charge the “most polluting” ships more.
Plans are also under way to introduce a local tax which was proposed by Scotland’s Climate Assembly to encourage landowners to manage their land in the wider public interest. Slater announced the Scottish Government will begin to “explore” the idea and other policy options with the aim of restoring peatlands and creating more woodland.
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