Landlords Seeking Fairness With Council Tax Reforms

Any replacement for council tax in Scotland must provide better value for tenants and fair treatment for landlords.

That is according to the Scottish Association of Landlords, who are calling for flaws in the current system to be fixed. The commission on local tax reform is examining alternatives that could deliver a fairer system in Scotland - the SAL will give evidence to them today. Landlords say the current system needs changed, for example extending discounts for empty properties to homes being renovated before they are rented out.

John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, said: 

"We have no fixed view concerning what form of local tax should replace the Council Tax but we do believe this is an opportunity to fix flaws in the current system. In particular, we feel there are disincentives which mean landlords might be dissuaded from investing in upgrades or non-emergency repairs because of the lack of Council Tax discounts available to other groups.  By ending these practices, landlords would be able to invest more easily in their properties and provide a better service for tenants.
 
"A strong Private Rented Sector providing value for money for tenants is not only of benefit for landlords and our customers but also to the local authority by adding to the high-quality housing stock in a given area.  I look forward to discussing these points with Commission members in more detail today and hope they will take them on-board in their final report."