Is it time to raise basic tax rate?

Neither A or B I'm afraid TF its not the simple a subject.

Think I'll wait til the Autumn Statement next week, see if there's any money left in the UK piggy bank?! 

If we pay more tax we have less to spend and it follows that the economy could slow and businesses suffer with people becoming redundant and less NI and tax collected. Then the NHS etc couldn't be funded to the current level while payments in state benefits would soar due to rising unemployment. Hmm.

As Whittaker said, it's not that simple.

If we pay more tax we have less to spend and it follows that the economy could slow and businesses suffer with people becoming redundant and less NI and tax collected. Then the NHS etc couldn't be funded to the current level while payments in state benefits would soar due to rising unemployment. Hmm.

As Whittaker said, it's not that simple.

I wish it was 

A public vote here in Beds recently as to whether the public favoured a extra increase in council tax to provide more funding for public service was rejected by the majority.

peedee

From memory wasn't the top rate of tax 90 pence in the pound some time ago now i believe it is 45 pence in the pound.

Ensuring that all those who should be paying taxes, at the appropriate rate would reap benefits as well. The reliance on "Consultancy Culture" needs addressing, huge wastage on this score. Both areas of major concern, but little done realistically for a very long time. 

Briang, yes, in the 1970s the top rate was eye watering, it's easy to look up past rates on the internet. 

A public vote here in Beds recently as to whether the public favoured a extra increase in council tax to provide more funding for public service was rejected by the majority.

peedee

That doesn't surprise me. Possible shows how little faith people will have in terms of how the money will be spent, rather than a reluctance to pay more. That for me is one of the basic issues. Those that contribute are very far removed from how the money is allocated, and I openly admit to having little respect for those at local and national level when it comes to ensuring value for money. As an ex local government officer, I had first hand experience!

Speaking as a crown or local government employee for the bulk of my working life, not essential services. I'd say all the fat, and there was a lot forty years ago, has been whittled away and the whole is now more anorexic than obese. Something needs to be sorted to keep our roads repaired, schools and hospitals functioning etc etc. The government have no money, they never have had, it is taxpayer's. I wish I knew how to solve the overall problem I think it will need a several pronged approach including TF's A and takethedogalong's ensuring what is owed is paid. That is possibly raising of income tax, or more stealth tax, that does hit those who are under the radar or in the black market as well as taxpayers and to do this fairly personal tacx allowance needs to increase, fines, reclaiming of fees for health tourism etc. is implemented. I reckon if it could be solved by one person they'd make their fortune - and pay their tax