Colin Beattie accused of avoiding taxes by amassing property in England
EX-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie has been accused of “dodging” Nats taxes by amassing a property portfolio in England. The MSP backed additional levies which made Scotland the most expensive part of the UK for buy-to-let landlords.
But the former banker avoided £9,000 of Additional Dwelling Supplement and nearly £500 Land & Buildings Transaction Tax by snapping up six rental properties in northern England.
Mr Beattie, 73, and wife Lisa, 72, switched the focus of their property business, Ben Sheann Enterprises, and bought £750,000 worth of homes in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Co Durham between 2018 and 2023.
First Minister John Swinney has said it is “morally wrong” for Scots to swerve paying his government’s higher taxes. Tory housing spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher said: “Scots will be outraged an SNP MSP who supported these tax hikes is dodging them. While ordinary people are stuck with sky-high taxes, those in charge appear to be exploiting loopholes.”
There is no suggestion that the Beatties have acted illegally. An SNP spokesman said: “Mr Beattie pays his taxes in Scotland.”
