I am not sure I agree with Friedgreentomatoes's analysis of Labour's actions as being "socialist". I think Corbyn's proposed policies could have been described as such but the current government's actions are pretty tame. As, I imagine, with most people, I agree with some of their actions but not all. Having said that, the total chaos that the Conservatives left us with would make it very difficult to make decisions that would wholly please anybody.
Inheritance tax on farms seems fair to me. Most people whose assets are above a certain level are liable to inheritance tax. In the case of farmers, the Office for Fiscal Studies says that currently the average tax relief saved is £300,000 per estate, with some benefiting from business relief also. 7% of claims accounted for 40% of the total value of agricultural relief. There is still 100% tax relief for the first £1million, plus £325,000 and £175,000 if the farm is bequeathed to a direct descendant. If passed on by a couple, there could be up to £3million pounds of relief.
Views differ as to whether private schools should pay VAT or not on fees, but my opinion is that it is a fair measure. Everybody, even the very poorest, has to pay VAT on virtually all goods and services, so why should private education be excluded?
As for the right to buy council houses, most housing experts are of the view that this policy has been a major contributor to the housing crisis we are now experiencing. Well built council homes, which, in the 1950s/60s were available to many people on moderate wages, are now virtually impossible for people to access. While government received the heavily discounted money for the homes it sold, it lost the accruing value - both social and financial - of these well built homes. This necessitated the payment of housing benefit which now continues to line the pockets of private owners, many of whom have substantial housing portfolios. In addition, the money received from the sales was not used to build further homes, ensuring a continuing reliance on private rental providers.
I would imagine many people who are not aligned to socialist ideas might find hereditary peerages unacceptable in this day and age, particularly given the very favourable allowances that are applicable, with very little oversight re attendance and participation.
I would also imagine you don't have to have socialist views to think that the scams and exploitation of the secondary ticket market should be properly regulated.
Is confining the Winter Fuel Allowance to the poorest a socialist measure? Many people in the Labour party are unhappy about it. My own opinion is that this benefit should not be available to those who are comfortably off.
People seem to be very confused in their thinking - including people in the Labour Party. Many did not agree with Corbyn's socialist agenda but, on the other hand, they do not like many of the measures put forward by the new Labour government. They want the huge financial deficit to be sorted out, they want the justice system, the transport and roads system, the education system, the NHS, and countless other disasters left by the previous government to be put in order straight away. But they don't want any increases at all in taxes, or any measures brought in that might affect their own income.
As for trying to "create a world where everyone is equal" - good luck with that! At the moment we have families who are paying extortionate rents, nursery fees, energy and transports costs, etc, etc. Even with both parents now working, life is a continuing struggle for many. Essential services are on their knees and only those that can afford to go privately can feel unworried about their, and their children's, futures.
