Tax Policy Officer - Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Scottish Government

Scottish Government

Verified Company

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Overview:
Do you want to work in a role at the heart of government, determining how vital public services are funded? If so look no further

The Directorate for Tax is part of the Scottish Exchequer.

It is responsible for providing Scottish Ministers with advice about the use of Scotland's current tax powers, the development of future tax powers and for driving improvements in our tax performance.

It also advises on how new forms of taxation can add to the resources available to fund public services and contribute to behavioural change.

Sound fiscal policy making has never been more important.

Our principle-based tax policies must deliver the revenue our public services depend on, while also responding to the challenges of an economic, social and environmental context that has not been experienced for decades.

For those reasons, our work is essential to maintaining the reputation of the Scottish Government for sound fiscal policy, competence and integrity.

Devolved and local taxes are forecast to contribute almost £23bn of funding in to support the Scottish Budget, currently around 40% of the Scottish Government's overall resource funding.

With spending commitments forecast to outstrip available funding by £1.9 billion in , there is an increased need to ensure Scotland's tax powers continue to contribute positively to the sustainability of public services.

Responsibilities:

Post 1:
Income Tax Policy Officer
***Scottish Income Tax has been partially devolved to since , and Income Tax is now expected to raise almost £19 billion in for the Scottish Budget. This is an interesting time to be joining the team, with significant policy changes announced at the most recent Budget, and increasing attention paid by stakeholders, parliament and the public to how the Scottish Government is deploying its tax powers.

Managing this source of revenue is of critical importance to the Scottish public finances.

The team have responsibility for developing and implementing policy for the Budget, and also manage the relationship with HMRC who are responsible for administering and collecting the tax.

The team will also be working across the Directorate to publish a refreshed tax strategy in the new year and will also contribute to the work of the external Tax Advisory Group recently announced by the Deputy First Minister.

This is a small supportive division and directorate, and given the importance of the work of the team, the post holder will have exposure to members of the SCS, Special Advisors and Ministers, including the Deputy First Minister.

Main Duties

Contributing to policy development on Scottish Income Tax, and support the delivery of key products associated with the Scottish Budget such as legislation to confirm policy for the year ahead;
Preparing and coordinating highquality briefings and advice for Scottish Ministers;
Drafting responses to requests from MSP's, colleagues, the media and the general public;
Supporting the governance arrangements for the collection of Scottish Income Tax by HMRC, including attending and contributing to meetings;
Interacting with Scottish Ministers, special advisers, and senior members of staff across the Scottish Government; and
Supporting engagement and management of relationships with key stakeholders, both within and outside of government.

Post 2:
Fully Devolved Taxes Policy Officer
***This B2 role offers a great opportunity to join the Scottish Government team leading on the work to introduce a devolved replacement for the UK Aggregates Levy, which applies to the commercial exploitation of primary (new) aggregates,

Wherever you are, you're likely only a short distance away from aggregates, these are in essence crushed rocks, sand and gravel that are used on their own, or in products such as mortar, tarmac and concrete, for housebuilding, infrastructure, landscaping, environmental protection and more.

You will support a wide range of work to help deliver the new tax, which is intended to support the Scottish Government's ambitions for the circular economy.

If you want to gain experience of working on the development of primary and secondary legislation, supporting Ministers, working with Revenue Scotland and engaging with stakeholders from a range of industry, economic, environmental, and other interests this job could be for you.

Previous experience of tax policy is not necessary.

The post sits within the Fully Devolved Taxes Unit in the Tax and Revenues Directorate. The Unit consists of a C2 head of unit; three C1s, two B3s and this B2 post.

Main Duties

Assist the C1 Bill Team Leader and B3 Senior Policy Adviser with finalising the content of a Scottish Aggregates Tax Bill and assist its successful passage in the Scottish Parliament.
Support a range of other legislative and policy work in the run up to tax introduction, working closely with colleagues across the Scottish Government