Election Policies

[PlainJane]

The main political parties are mired in debates about matters which, in truth, they broadly agree upon.
I would like to see some radical new policies put forward. How about getting rid of National Insurance Contributions, and adding it to tax instead. Just think of the beaurocracy that could be saved. There would also cease to be the somewhat arbitrary relationship as to how much of your income disappears as NHI opr Tax at different levels. Anyone agree, or have any other radical policies?

[Loosehead]

How about the abolition of all direct taxation. Then there can be no avoidance and we can scrap the whole collection mechanism and all the expense that goes with it, no more tax returns no more messing about with PAYE tax codes etc, heaven. The amount collected is relatively small any way, just think of the savings in tax inspectors alone! Obviously indirect taxation would have to rise but at least you get to choose what you spend it on.

[Loosehead]

Also, income tax is only a "temporary" law anyway, bought in to help fight Napoleon, I think that threat is over now!

[Artemis]

The whole idea of VAT was to do exactly this,Loosehead. High Vat on luxury goods and low on others and zero on essentials. Dispensing with direct taxation completely.

[jake-the-peg]

Actually Loosehead Income tax was repealed shortly after Waterloo but was brought back in 1842 - Would you believe the revenue have a history page here: http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/history/

One of the problems with high indirect taxiation is that it encourages smuggling. In some areas that's epidemic already - I think I heard only 20% of hand rolling tobbacco in the UK had had duty paid on it!

In terms of radical proposals, it may soon become time to ask who a fleet of nuclear submarines are actually detering - whatever about retention of airborne battlefield nuclear wepons - Surly somebody has got to have the guts to pension off  Trident which costs �500 million per year.