Is it time to raise basic tax rate?

I would be inclined to go down the line of indirect taxation and suggest that VAT be increased - (or as we knew it - purchase tax.)  That way the less I spend the less I pay!

The NHS deficit is getting an awful lot press but if we consider that, at its inception, medical expertise was quite primitive compared with today. Organ transplants were unheard of for instance. Tumour on the brain? Put your affairs in order and make your peace with your maker. Add in a population that is 25% greater than then, the bulk of which increase is elderly and you can see why there is a crisis.

The welfare system has grown like topsy and effectively subsidises many who have made appalling life decisions, insulating them from their own stupidity. It's going to take a very brave politician to grasp the nettle.

Even more strain on the tax resources as they have announced that Buck Palace is to be allocated £369 million for much needed restoration. See here.

My opinion is that we pay enough income tax and VAT already. As for volunteering to help councils by doing things like picking up litter, I have been known to do that off my own bat, stiffer fines for people who drop litter would suit me and don’t get me started on dog owners who don't pick up mess.

Exciting eh

My view is that the basic rate of tax should most definitely not increase and, in fact, should decrease.

There is still a massive amount of waste in public services......hospitals, schools and local / central government in particular.

Naturally, the royal family should be abolished.

The foreign aid budget should be cut and used to increase defense spending......although there is also massive waste in the MoD.

I wouldn't have a problem with increasing the higher income tax rates and corporation tax (which basically gives company directors more pay in the form of bonuses etc).

Personally I think there are many ways of raising much needed funds for public services not just by income tax , 

Such as?

My view is that the basic rate of tax should most definitely not increase and, in fact, should decrease.

There is still a massive amount of waste in public services......hospitals, schools and local / central government in particular.

Naturally, the royal family should be abolished.

The foreign aid budget should be cut and used to increase defense spending......although there is also massive waste in the MoD.

I wouldn't have a problem with increasing the higher income tax rates and corporation tax (which basically gives company directors more pay in the form of bonuses etc).

The royal family is fantastic VFM.  Why would you want to get rid of the best UK promotional organisation?  

Lets have your figures then!

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

Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.

 

 

the bold text equated to the 95% rate, and beautifully expressed in the song.... 

with thanks to George Harrison.

LOL loved George Harrison, but he was a multi millionaire

This year will be a tough year in local government, local council cuts so far have been relatively easy and minimal effect on the council tax payer. however due to central government removing funding they send local councils it's leaving many with a black hole in their books and pressure to raise coincil tax if they cant find significant areas to cut. Leaving the EU will save us £11bln a year and cutting overseas aid or scrapping it will save us £12bln, cutting over burdening regulation on business will free up employers to start employing, reduce corporation tax to encourage businesses to set up or move to the UK. Oh yeah and create a flat tax rather than the over complicated system we have now.