HOLYROOD’S next Budget must show a “clear intent” to tax private jets to raise funds to combat the effects of climate crisis, campaigners warn.

Oxfam Scotland claim a private plane levy could have brought in £27 million last year alone.

The charity said these funds could mitigate increased extreme weather conditions, as tens of thousands were left without power by Storm Goretti which hit large parts of the country this week.

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, described the use of private jets as “the height of climate inequality and injustice.”

He said: “While people in poverty all around the world are already struggling to survive the impacts of rising seas, unbearable heatwaves and record-breaking storms, a wealthy few are pumping out staggering levels of pointless pollution.”

Mr Livingstone said that “private jets are one of the most egregious emblems of excess” and that the “tiny elite” who use them to travel are “racking up massive emissions through choice, not necessity.”

He added: “Scottish ministers must use the Scottish Budget to signal its clear intent to land a Scottish private jet tax at the earliest opportunity.

“This common sense, practical measure would raise tens of millions of pounds each year for fair climate action; it is painfully overdue and entirely within their grasp.”

Finance Secretary Shona Robison is due to set out the Scottish government’s tax and spending plans on Tuesday, following a shortened timetable caused by the Westminster government’s Budget being held in November.

Today, Oxfam marks “plutocrat day” — the day by which the top 1 per cent of the wealthiest Scots are said to have used up their annual carbon budget. 

This is equivalent to the amount of CO2 which can be emitted while keeping the planet within 1.5°C of warming.