No tax cuts regardless of Hunt budget, says Yousaf

First minister says any extra money from settlement with Westminster will go to stemming cuts in public services
Humza Yousaf, the first minister, made his comments after a speech at the University of Glasgow on Monday
Humza Yousaf, the first minister, made his comments after a speech at the University of Glasgow on Monday
ANDREW MILLIGAN/PA

Humza Yousaf will refuse to cut income tax for Scottish workers even if Jeremy Hunt reduces rates in England and Wales.

The tax gap will widen between people earning higher wages north and south of the border under plans put forward in the Holyrood budget and is likely to grow after the chancellor makes his spring budget statement at Westminster.

Hunt is expected to focus on cutting income tax, although the Tories are also looking at inheritance tax cuts. A 2p cut in income tax would cost £13.7 billion a year and is likely to eat up any fiscal headroom.

Autumn statement will force public sector job cuts in Scotland, claims Robison

Yousaf’s spending plans introduced a new 45p tax band, Scotland’s sixth