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Lib Dems propose Scottish income tax rise to fund education Lib Dems propose Scottish income tax rise to fund education
(about 2 hours later)
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have proposed increasing income tax rates by 1p to raise extra funds for schools.The Scottish Liberal Democrats have proposed increasing income tax rates by 1p to raise extra funds for schools.
The party said the change to rates would raise £475m a year, which it would put towards Scottish education.The party said the change to rates would raise £475m a year, which it would put towards Scottish education.
It would be spent on a "pupil premium" to fund children from more deprived backgrounds, early learning, childcare and college provision, and giving money to councils for schools.It would be spent on a "pupil premium" to fund children from more deprived backgrounds, early learning, childcare and college provision, and giving money to councils for schools.
Leader Willie Rennie said his party had "an ambitious plan" for education.Leader Willie Rennie said his party had "an ambitious plan" for education.
He said: "Scottish education was once the envy of the world. It has fallen hard and fast.He said: "Scottish education was once the envy of the world. It has fallen hard and fast.
"But we have the plan that will put it right back up there. One penny is a small price for a big boost to get the country fit for the future.""But we have the plan that will put it right back up there. One penny is a small price for a big boost to get the country fit for the future."
'Top priority''Top priority'
The Lib Dems will lead a Holyrood debate in the afternoon on their "pupil premium" proposal.The Lib Dems will lead a Holyrood debate in the afternoon on their "pupil premium" proposal.
Most of Scotland's parties have prioritised education ahead of May's elections, with Labour calling it a "top budget priority" and the SNP pledging to put it "front and centre".Most of Scotland's parties have prioritised education ahead of May's elections, with Labour calling it a "top budget priority" and the SNP pledging to put it "front and centre".
The Scottish Conservatives have also focused on college education in the early stages of the campaign.The Scottish Conservatives have also focused on college education in the early stages of the campaign.
Scotland will gain new financial powers this year, although finance secretary John Swinney ruled out raising the income tax in his draft budget last year.Scotland will gain new financial powers this year, although finance secretary John Swinney ruled out raising the income tax in his draft budget last year.
The Scottish Conservatives accused the Lib Dems of "recycling discarded SNP policies".
MSP John Lamont said: "This announcement shows that Lib Dems have decided to join forces with a chaotic Labour party in lurching to the left on tax.
"Working families who have had a difficult time over recent years need their pay-packets protected."