麻豆约拍

TOPIC 1: PROPERTY TAX
The proposed new tax rates on Scottish property purchases have been cut - although people buying the most expensive homes will have to pay more. Deputy First Minister John Swinney said nobody would pay tax on properties costing less than 拢145,000, after raising the threshold. He said a 12% marginal rate would now apply to people buying houses costing more than 拢750,000, rather than 拢1m. Labour accused Mr Swinney of "making the fastest U-turn in history". The deputy first minister told parliament the new tax, which replaces stamp duty from April, was proportionate and based on the ability to pay.

Cathy asks: Do you welcome John Swinney's 'U-turn' on Property tax?

TOPIC 2: POLICE
This comes at a time when police Scotland are running a recruitment drive with concerted effort to attract more women and applicants from ethnic minorities. Yet it's been revealed that women are less likely than men to go for promotion in the police. According to figures put to the Scottish Police Authority 31.1% of constables were women in May but only 27.2% of constables who had applied for a sergeant position by September 2014 were female. And it was also recently reported that the number of officers going off sick with stress related illnesses has risen by more than a quarter since the creation of Police Scotland. Figures show 449 police men and women were absent from work due to stress in 2013-14 an increase of more than 26% from 2012-13.

Cathy asks: Would you join the police?

Extra Question:
A woman has given birth to a baby girl on a transatlantic flight from Jordan to New York - luckily a nurse and doctor happened to be on board - We want to hear your birth stories?