Morally superior.

Why does the word progressive, when used by politicians, always sound a bit like they are hiding something.  It’s because they are using it to hide something, their ability to convince people of their policies by normal argument.  They, less than subtly, are trying to suggest they are morally superior.  Sort of “We are progressive, so you must be dinosaurs”.   

You see progressive used all the time in many areas of social and economic policy.   

So “progressive taxation” in Scotland really means the SNP will be taking more money out of our collective pockets for them to decided how to spend.   Yes, you and I will have less money to spend in local shops keeping private business in business creating wealth.  Evey pound a government takes away from you is a pound you no longer can spend in your local shop. Keeping somone in a job.

Which brings me nicely to Derek Mackay, the Scottish Finance Minister, who said the Scottish Government's “progressive tax system” would mean 70 per cent of people in Scotland were paying less tax this year than they did last year.  Like £20 less if you are a private in the UK Army.  Very nice.  £0.06 a day.   

In real terms the tax hikes will mean a staff sergeant paying an extra £117 a year in Scotland.  An army major would pay £660 more while a lieutenant colonel would pay £863 extra, and a full colonel £1,013.   

Mr Mackay, in typical "progressive" mode, then tries to shift the blame: “It is disappointing that, despite making an offer to discuss the differential taxation of military personnel, the Scottish Government has not been consulted on the proposal announced by the MoD.”   

Actually, there was no need for a discussion Derek, you should simply have emailed the MoD and said, "we’ll cover the difference".