A GLASGOW councillor is calling on the administration to suspend council tax in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak to protect those in financial difficulty.

The leader of the Glasgow Conservatives, councillor Thomas Kerr, has written to the council’s City Treasurer, councillor Allan Gow urging him to explore all possible options around a council tax moratorium.

He has also requested additional information regarding what steps the local authority is taking to liaise with Holyrood and Westminster to identify what extra funding will be made available to local authorities during this period.

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A copy of the email was also sent to the opposition parties with Glasgow's Green group agreeing emergency legislation should guarantee a basic income for all those affected.

Councillor Kerr said: “Everyone will be aware of the challenges we face as a country and the serious impact that this crisis is having on the income of some of our most vulnerable residents.

"Apart from rent and mortgage payments, council tax will be the largest monthly bill faced by many Glaswegians.

“I believe it is the responsibility of Glasgow City Council to do everything within our power to help support the people of Glasgow.

"Delaying the payment of council tax could be one such measure that would make a real difference.”

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Councillor Alan Young of the Green group agreed that measures should be taken to prevent further financial difficulty.

He said: "It's clear that for many people the coronavirus crisis will mean a loss of some or all of their income.

"The council should do all in its powers, with the full support of Scottish and UK Governments, to ensure that no one gets into hardship or debt as a result.

"Emergency legislation should guarantee a basic income for all those affected as well as ensuring support with council tax and rent payments for those who need it."

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A spokesman for Glasgow City Council added: “Councils don’t have the legislative power to suspend Council Tax - however, Glasgow’s corporate debt policy very much prioritises helping those struggling with arrears.

“In the current situation it is more important than ever that those who can pay do, to allow us focus on those facing a change in their circumstances.”

The leader of Glasgow Labour has also been asked for comment on his party's position on the issue.