Win for Armed Forces personnel in Nat Tax battle

Local MP Paul Masterton and Scottish Conservative colleagues have successfully ensured that Armed Forces personnel in Scotland will not be penalised by the Nat Tax mitigation.
Paul Masterton MP.Paul Masterton MP.
Paul Masterton MP.

The Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, announced that compensation will be given to those affected in the form of an annual payment.

The move ensures that all British troops, regardless of where they are based, will pay the same income tax.

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In March this year, the SNP Government made Scotland the highest taxed part of the United Kingdom. As a result, Armed Forces personnel stationed in Scotland will be paid less than their counterparts stationed elsewhere in the UK. The changes by the SNP affect around 8000 troops stationed across Scotland.

Scottish Conservative MPs raised concerns that the changes would impact recruitment and retention at bases across Scotland which led to the UK Government stepping in to resolve this SNP failure.

East Renfrewshire MP, Paul Masterton commented: “Armed Service personnel across the UK sacrifice so much for our United Kingdom – whether through humanitarian efforts or protecting the UK from external threats.

“Personnel do not have a choice as to where they are stationed so it is simply unfair that those in Scotland will be paid less. That is why I welcome the move from the UK Government to clean up the SNP’s mess.

“The SNP cannot be trusted to deliver for our Armed Forces only the Scottish Conservatives will stand up for our troops.”