Labour bids to scrap so-called 'workplace parking levy' from Scottish Government's Transport Bill

The party says the levy would be an attack on the lowest paid workers

Author: Paul Kelly Published 6th Oct 2019



Scottish Labour have tabled amendments to the Transport Bill this week in a bid to remove the Scottish Government’s controversial new car park tax.

MSPs will vote on proposals from Labour’s Neil Bibby to delete the so-called Workplace Parking Levy in its entirety from the new legislation.

Scottish Labour transport spokesperson Colin Smyth said: “This tax is an attack on workers, and it will hit the lowest paid hardest. It will do little to reduce congestion or reduce emissions. A Chief Executive of a big company could pay the same as a care worker on the living wage - hammering those that can least afford it.

"This has been thought up by the SNP as a desperate sticking plaster over the gaping hole in council budgets, which are facing hundreds of millions of pounds more cuts this year. Rather than hitting the lowest paid workers, the SNP should restore adequate funding to local government.

“Scottish Labour will stand up for workers and vote to scrap the tax on Wednesday."

If MSPs of other parties vote down the plan to remove the tax altogether, Labour will seek to protect low-paid workers from being hit the hardest.

Mr Smith and Labour MSP Pauline McNeill have tabled amendments which would exempt lower-paid workers and single parents, as well as the drivers of ultra-low emission cars.

The Scottish Government says the workplace parking levy will provide local authorities with a discretionary power to help address local transport needs and contribute to achieving the wider climate change agenda.