The Scottish Government's adviser on tackling poverty has called for higher taxes to fight inequality.

Naomi Eisenstadt has called for a rise in inheritance tax, income tax and for local councils to get greater tax raising powers from Holyrood.

Income tax rates will be entirely set by Holyrood from April by the Scottish Government.

In their manifesto for May's election, the SNP backed keeping the tax bands at the same level as the rest of the UK.

The party pledged, however, not to pass on changes to the 40% income tax threshold by the UK Government, which would cut the amount of tax paid by individuals.

Eisenstadt told BBC Scotland: "I do believe in a higher inheritance tax - and I know that's toxic for politicians.

"But even the idea of taking a very small amount of what would be inherited, say 1%-2% - and pool it for elderly social care, you would have a pooled sum that all elderly people would have access to, rather than just rich people relying on it."

From next year, local authorities will be able to set their own council tax rates but they will be barred from raising the levels by anymore than 3% by the Scottish Government, even if they believe they need more revenues for public services.

The government adviser wants more autonomy for Scotland's 32 local authorities.

"No matter where you are, you blame the next level up," argues Eisenstadt.

"Local government in Scotland is going to blame Edinburgh, Edinburgh is going to blame Westminster.

"At the end of the day, at every level there is a role to play. And I think giving local authorities greater discretion over taxation would be a good thing."

In response to Eisenstadt's comments, a Scottish Government spokesman: "Our income tax proposals for 2017/18 and beyond will ensure Scotland continues to be an attractive place to live, work and do business.

"They protect those on low and middle incomes but generate extra revenue of around £1.2bn in cumulative additional revenues by 2021/22 which we will invest in key public services, by asking higher rate (40%) taxpayers to forego a tax cut.

"Where we have the powers to do so, we are making taxation fairer and more proportionate to the ability to pay, while also raising additional revenue.

"That is why we are proposing progressive reforms to local taxation which will, over the lifetime of this parliament, raise an additional £500m to invest in raising educational attainment."

The poverty adviser also criticised VAT, which is remaining reserved at Westminster.

Eisenstadt believes the fact everyone, no matter how much money they earn, pays the same level of VAT is unfair.

"One of the things that Scotland doesn't have power over and I am surprised nobody is arguing about is VAT. 20% VAT is very regressive. Because it's a flat tax - and poor people have to buy stuff," she argues.

The UK Government has defended its record on tackling inequality across the country.

A spokesman said: "To help those struggling to manage we've cut income tax so people keep more of the money they earn, given the lowest paid a pay rise through our national living wage, increased the state pension to give people greater security in retirement and are helping parents with childcare.

"The Scottish Parliament is also getting unprecedented new tax and welfare powers which will mean, for the first time, Holyrood will be able to shape the welfare system in Scotland.

"There is still much more to do though, with housing costs too high, too many households stuck on the most expensive energy tariff and not enough parents having access to good-quality childcare. We're going to act in their interests and deliver a better deal for them."