Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Can someone please explain Rachel Reeves’ economic thinking to me?

Personally I would have gone for 2p in the pound on income tax , it would have hit the higher payed harder.

No increase in National Insurance.

This would stimulate the economy. More entrepreneurship.
And not hit the lower payed.
Top | New | Old
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
I think I'm in favour of your general thrust. The trouble was that both the Tories and the press really forced Labour into the corner of not increasing personal tax. Had they followed what I would've been happy with and said no, they wouldn't promise that, the papers would've been screaming that there definitely would be 'hikes' (always a hyperbolic word) in taxes on hard-working people. The right wing press never pointed out what the purpose of taxes is i.e. funding for public services which most people moan about most of the time.

Even now Reform UK is promising to spend stacks of cash on what they think will be popular policies, but say nothing of the way they intend to slash (hyperbole?) welfare, NHS spending and the people who actually make this country work. Indeed, no answering where all this cash is coming from. All being well at least some of the press and unbiased broadcasters will press the right wingers on their personal proberty as hard as they have with the current government.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
@FreddieUK There was a pretty robust interview with Richard Tice on Radio 4 this morning. He finally admitted that no new spending was likely and tax cuts would be conditional upon cutting "back office" functions in government (unimportant things like the payroll.department, etc). So they now don't have much to offer beyond blaming everything on foreigners.
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
@SunshineGirl I heard it. It was great. I didn't know he spent a lot of time in Dubai and thinks it has a lot to teach us - WHAT?!! So that's North Korea, Dubai and the current USA that these would-be rulers would like the country they claim to be patriots of to become like.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
@FreddieUK He is such an arrogant man. Taking as granted that success in the business world makes him an expert on government.

I found the deference he has for Farage to be interesting (I will serve as Chancellor at HIS pleasure). I think we are just one heart attack away from the whole thing imploding.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
They made a manifesto pledge not to increase taxes on "working people", and income tax has been off limits for decades. Freezing the tax thresholds has in any case raised more through income tax at a time of fairly high wage increases, but this probably hits the lower paid hardest.

Not so long ago the Tories practically had a mandate to raise income tax in order to give nurses a decent pay rise. That goodwill was all squandered by the Truss administration.
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl Yes, the number of pensioners driving new cars is staggering. Even today I saw eight guys and gals going for a meal at a restaurant at £60. , a head. It is always full at weekends. Just in a sleepy little village in East Sussex. I was out for a run!
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
@peterlee Lucky them, but I don't bear any grudge . . just so long as there is a decent pension system in place by the time those of us who are working hard to sustain their lifestyles finally get to retire!
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl you will be lucky 😔
peterlee · M
The hope perhaps lies in Yvette Cooper.

Both her and Ed Balls were advisors to the Blair government, when the economy was vibrant. Yvette has been both Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Work and Pensions.

I trust them far more than Torsten Bell, whose finger is everywhere..
This comment is hidden. Show Comment
peterlee · M
@jshm2 the reshuffle gives a degree of hope, some fresh eyes at last, and talent.
This comment is hidden. Show Comment

 
Post Comment