So Where Are The Tory Values Under May/hammond?

[youngmafbog]

Utter disgrace.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5980619/Britains-tax-burden-reaches-highest-level-Harold-Wilson-charge.html

[fiction-factory]

But one of the arguments for reducing the top rate of tax from 50% to 45% was that it would actually raise more money, so maybe this shows we have more high earners paying their fair share (more than fair share?) of tax. And maybe some loopholes have been closed.
The article includes "It said new major taxes introduced by the Government since 2008-09 included the sugar tax, diverted profits tax – which was brought in to counter perceived tax avoidance by multinational companies – and the apprenticeship levy."
Another factor I think is one off taxation of pension pot withdrawals which are often taxed at the top rate initially. The supplementary taxes levied by the Scottish parliament may be a factor too

Certainly many more people are now brought into the 40% tax band.

Overall i think the picture is unclear. There are argument for saying this is good news or bad news depending on how you view it

[Gromit]

// The taxman is set to take £724.9billion this year – 34.3 per cent of GDP //

Not sure where all the money is going. Labour tax more but support local services and welfare.

Under this shambles of a Government, essential services like the police force have been drastically cut to the point that they are ineffective. Fire crews cut, nurses cut, libraries closed, elderly care stopped, local bus services unfunded.

We are paying a lot more now, but getting zilch in return.

[youngmafbog]

Gromit, you are aware we are still stuck with some very poorly negotiated long term contracts (and debt) left by labour that will likey take 20 years to clear fully?

Having said that, yes it is poor. The Tories traditionally have cleared up labours mess and made efficiencies. All Hammond and May seem concerned about is passing money over to the EU. Incredible, although as May and Hammond are closet liberals I suppose not totally surprising.

[Gromit]

If there was one thread which I thought would mot elicit the tired refrain of “It is the last Labour Government’s fault” it would have been this one.
Let’s face it, this is an omnishambles of a Government. Even by past standards, May’s tenure has been utterly terrible.