THE Church of Scotland has come under fire after announcing that it is backing a campaign to make taxes fairer across the country.
Tax Justice Scotland, launched yesterday, aims to encourage the government to rethink ‘devolved’ tax systems in order to drive positive social and environmental change.
Over 50 organisations have pledged their allegiance to the campaign and have shown their support on social media using the hashtag #TaxJusticeScotland.
The Church of Scotland’s recent announcement of its backing of the movement, however, has been criticised by social media users, who have questioned the Church’s own financial position as a charity exempt from tax payment.
In a post on social media, the Church of Scotland said: “Imagine a Scotland where every child grows up free from poverty.
“Where our hospitals/schools have the resources to care for all, where we’re tackling the climate crisis head-on.
“A fairer tax system can help make it a reality. That’s why the Church is backing #TaxJusticeScotland.”
This was posted alongside a graphic outlining the five aims of the coalition.
These aims involve increasing taxes on those with the highest financial resources, in order to combat worsening inequality in Scotland.
They also encourage the revaluation of land and property so as to more effectively tax wealth, advocate for a tax on polluters to tackle climate change and the want to ensure a gender-sensitive tax system so as to protect single mothers and carers in particular.
Other organisations who have backed the cause include Oxfam Scotland, Save the Children, and The Poverty Alliance.
Whilst general reception to the launch of the campaign has been positive, the Church’s association with the movement has prompted some to question their involvement as an institution with charitable status.
In Scotland, places of public religious worship are wholly exempt from payment of property tax, under section 22 of the Valuation and Rating (Scotland) Act 1956.
In 2014, the Church of Scotland released a Charity Law Overview in which they state: “The main advantages are of course the tax benefits.
“There is exemption from most of the burdens of taxation – from income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty land tax etc. but, sadly, only limited reliefs from VAT.”
The Church’s announcement on social media has received over 40 likes but more than 150 comments from those disagreeing with the aims of Tax Justice Scotland entirely, but also by those who oppose the Church’s position alongside it.
One user said: “Tax the church. If private schools now pay tax, no reason for churches not to.”
Another replied: “How much do you pay in tax?”
A third remarked: “Imagine a Scotland where its Church focused on promoting Christianity rather than involving itself in politics.”
Another commented: “Better if the Church of Scotland sticks to religion rather than taking up far left demands on tax policy.”
A fifth wrote: “Let’s start with the Church of Scotland, in that case. The removal of charitable status and the application of business rates would be a useful beginning.
“Alternatively, it might focus on matters spiritual and keep out of the political arena.”
A spokesman for the Church of Scotland said: “The Church is committed to speaking into our political debate about compassion and justice, to support the development of public values which promote social cohesion and the common good.
“We work with, and alongside, people across Scotland, including those who live in some of the most deprived communities and struggle to make ends meet.
“It’s in this context that we think now is the right time for civil society to start asking questions about the best way, we as a society, can raise and spend tax.
“In adding our voice to this campaign, we are calling for a wider and deeper conversation which should involve everybody, not just the usual voices of think tanks, politicians and commentators.
“The Church is directly impacted as an employer by the increase to employers’ national insurance contributions and has members who are affected by tax and spend changes, including the recent UK announcements about inheritance tax affecting farmers and the cuts in winter fuel payments.”
