Those of you in England & Wales may not be closely following local government finance events north of the border. However, the outlook is a little disturbing.
The SNP have already outlined plans to replace Council Tax with some form of Income Tax and, they now have their sights set on scrapping Business Rates for small businesses.
If you are not in my professional field and think that this doesn’t affect you, think again !
Clearly, if these proposals were to bear fruit, there could be severe implications for my colleagues in valuation, benefits and revenues collection, with a possibility of responsibility for the latter being moved to a central government department.
A word of warning, though !
Although the government saw fit to ignore the recommendations in the Lyons Report back in March, history has shown that what happens in Scotland precedes it happening south of the border. Lest we forget the Poll Tax ?
Although Council Tax levels may be higher than one would hope, it is through the professionalism of, for example, members of the IRRV and their colleagues, that the system works as effectively as it does. Proposals for replacing it need to be thought through very carefully – and, remember this, if you think that what is being proposed is good, can I remind you that the Child Benefits Agency and HMRC are not known for ruthless efficiency. Ruthless, maybe, but not efficient.

Scary thought that this has the potential to reach anyone, anywhere, at anytime, in the world. But, then again, that is the point, I guess.
Welcome to my brand new web-site and, as I write this on Monday 24th September 2007, you will note that this page is still under development.
However, I shall be using it on a regular basis to offer my views on a variety of issues – whether that be on a professional; personal; social; political; sporting level – depending on whatever may be topical at the time.
So, please join me on this page as often as you are able, and I shall be more than happy to receive your comments in response.
Best wishes,
Sean