Few people in Scotland will relish the prospect of paying tax.  

But imagine a country where every child grows up free from poverty:  One in which our hospitals and schools have the resources to care for all, and where we’re tackling the climate crisis head-on. It sounds ambitious, but a fairer tax system can help make it a reality.  

Fair tax is about building a society where everyone has a shot at a good life.   

Scotland has the power to create a system that truly reflects our values: one that makes sure wealth is shared, that strengthens public services, and that invests in a cleaner, greener future.  

With 240,000 children in poverty, and public services stretched to the breaking point, the need for action is clear.   

The truth is, we won’t see healthier communities or thriving schools without investing in them.   

 That's why Tax Justice Scotland, a new campaign launched today and backed by around 50 organisations, is making the case that fairer devolved taxes are a key tool in making Scotland stronger, kinder, and more resilient.  

Tweaking the status quo on tax won’t cut it.   

Of course, fairer taxes are needed at UK level, and we also need deeper international cooperation.   

 But it’s time for the Scottish Parliament to fully use its powers to deliver fairer taxes here in Scotland.  

Building a fairer economy and ensuring wise use of existing public funds are crucial, but fairer, and at times higher, taxes are essential for a dynamic, prosperous, and sustainable Scotland.   

 After all, ill-health, poverty and climate change cause substantial economic damage.  

 The Scottish Parliament has wide-ranging tax powers, including full control over local taxation.   

 Politicians must unite to use these powers to enable significantly more public spending, while better sharing income and wealth, and positively shaping behaviours and the economy.   

Some reforms will take time to deliver but work to overhaul devolved taxes must start now.   

The  Scottish Ministers’ Tax Strategy, due next week, must build on important, but relatively small-scale changes to Income Tax in Scotland, and look beyond the narrow constraints of annual budgets and electoral cycles.  

 Extra money flowing to Scotland following the UK Budget may somewhat ease immediate budget pressures, but it’s time to put Scotland’s finances on a better planned and more sustainable long-term footing.   

Key stepping-stones include launching an immediate, nationwide property revaluation as the first step toward replacing the unjust Council Tax. All parties agree reform is needed; they must work together to deliver it.   

 Scotland’s financial future stands at a decisive moment. We can either choose to build a fairer, stronger society by putting our tax system to work for everyone, or allow inequality, poverty, and environmental devastation to deepen.   

 Real change is within our grasp. Scotland’s leaders must have the courage to reach for it, push beyond the politics of the day, and build a tax system that helps us invest in people, planet, and prosperity.   

It’s time to make Scotland a fairer place, and it all starts with fairer tax. 

Oxfam Scotland Advocacy Adviser Lewis Ryder-Jones is writing on behalf of Tax Justice Scotland

Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@theherald.co.uk