If you can manage financially - would you pay more tax, for better public services?

There’s some people on here who 1) really don’t know how the benefit system works iro for anyone without a British passport and 2) has perhaps forgotten how many people live on low incomes and struggle and how we really need to care and look after people more vulnerable than ourselves. Whatever happened to compassion? Most of us, if not all, have worked most of our lives, some are still working. This country is in a bit fat mess, some of this is down to underfunded public services, lack of doctors, nurses, dentists, policeman, teachers. Without decent public services frankly we are all screwed.

Yes : but my tax rate isn't 40%.

I think lots of people say^yes I would pay more tax^ when they know that Labour will not increase the lower tax rate, but will increase the higher rates.

no, 20% is enough for me and I am at the bottom end of that band.

It is called “pulling up the ladder”

Wyllow3

Yes with reservations for NHS and Social Care.

This.

Unfortunately it doesn’t matter how much money is poured into the NHS when it is poorly managed.
It needs a root and branch shake up, but no government would be brave enough to take on this sacred cow with all its extravagances

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I don't mind if there is honesty in the system. I have been claiming my state pension for less than a year, my work pension a little longer.

Every pensioner I know has had a state pension increase as have I, except my work pension has gone down due to tax increases so I am a mere £5 a week better off, whereas those on state pension are better off.

I feel conned into thinking I would be comfortable when I finished work- because I am only just managing.

Yes, increase taxes by all means but don't dress it up as a pension increase!

Interesting mixture of contributions here! Taxes are going to go up, whether we like it or not.
The public services on which we all rely are paid for by taxes. The most disadvantaged in our society depend on them absolutely. We should, I think, accept that everyone needs the basics of a decent life (but you could argue about what that means).
And there are people warning that we are absolutely going to have to spend more on defence in the coming years, given the geopolitical situation..
In 2015, an American Nobel Laureate in economics called Angus Deaton worked out that an income above $75,000 doesn't make a person any happier. I suppose that would today be nearer $100,000, or about £80,000.
Should there be swingeing taxes for incomes above the "no more happiness" rate?

Whitewavemark2

It is called “pulling up the ladder”

No it’s called, making provision for your old age in order that you will not be reliant on the state.

I totally understand that not everyone can make these provisions, but those who can and have should not be penalised for it.

If anything through our business we have extended your proverbial ladder and provided employment with good salaries and benefits, along with training etc., and still do.

Whitewavemark2

It is called “pulling up the ladder”

No it isn’t. It’s called having provided the ladder for more years than you care to remember, and dare I say far more of the rungs than most, and being unwilling to pay more than what is currently still demanded and will be until my last breath - when inheritance tax will rear its ugly head.

Well said, GrannyGravy. We are I think very much in the minority here in what we have paid and provided in employment terms over many years.

GSM please do not get me startetd on Inheritance Tax, that is one Tax that I am 100% against and will do everything legal to prevent our children from having to pay.

LotteLouise I could not agree less with your views. Do you worry that the NHS doesn’t work and the roads are full of pot holes but think any improvements can be funded with thin air?
Do you have no compassion at all for people escaping from poverty and oppression? If we had no immigration into this country it would grind to a halt.

Having worked for many years with low income families, I know that the majority are hard working, nice people. If you have nothing to start with it is not easy to improve the situation. Those with money can make money pretty easily. There are some people who claim benefits fraudulently but they are a small minority.

I would willingly pay more tax and so would most people that I know, it is beyond my comprehension why the Tories think we will all jump for joy at a reduction. Just a few pounds a year will make little difference to an individual but cost the government coffers millions that could be better used.

It wouldn’t be a few pounds a year.

No. I don't want to pay more tax for two reasons. Firstly I have been paying taxes for a long time and still pay a hefty amount in tax each month
Secondly I don't believe that extra tax would be used in the way that we would want.

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sorry I am going to go off on a tangent here but why doesn't road tax pay for roads (esp potholes)

Gin - yes, you have said it so clearly. A relatively small tax increase for those who can pay it, could be used to help people - individuals and families - who are struggling through no fault of their own. Children in struggling families suffer unduly while they are young and then adult life is far more of a challenge for them - and the cycle of disadvantage continues. We are only suggesting a relatively small tax rise for those who can afford it - providing real benefit for those who can afford very little indeed. A compassionate society cares properly for the most disadvantaged people (while also providing services for all of us)

AGAA4

No. I don't want to pay more tax for two reasons. Firstly I have been paying taxes for a long time and still pay a hefty amount in tax each month
Secondly I don't believe that extra tax would be used in the way that we would want.

I completely get that though, if only we could “choose” where a percentage of our taxes go haha Bit like in Waitrose where you get a counter and pop it in a charity box of your choice

If you squeeze until the pips squeak most can afford to pay more tax Applegran. I give money to charities of my choice. I suggest you do the same to help the people you mention. Whatever extra tax you might pay the government will do with as it wishes.

Germanshepherdsmum

If you squeeze until the pips squeak most can afford to pay more tax Applegran. I give money to charities of my choice. I suggest you do the same to help the people you mention. Whatever extra tax you might pay the government will do with as it wishes.

Exactly, I have no faith in any Government spending any extra taxes collected where they say they will.

Nothing but an election gimmick

My pips will only be squeezed so much then I will seriously consider if continuing with a SME and all that goes with it is worth it…

The question is If you can manage financially - would you pay more tax, for better public services?

Yes, I would.

Yes