That “… those on lower incomes … would be most affected” is not a valid argument against introducing a GST because any percentage of the £45m raised from a Jersey style GST could be used to improve the lot of those on lower incomes. A GST, in conjunction with other measures, could be progressive not regressive. The arguments against a GST are that it adds to businesses’ administrative burden and that rebalancing our income tax system would be a more equitable and efficient. Income tax reform could target high incomes not middle incomes. Increasing the income tax rate to 25% would generate about the same as a GST. It would be easy to forgo some of that revenue by increasing personal allowances so income of, say, £50k pa or less was not affected. At the other end of the spectrum one could even lower the tax cap if it was thought we might lose some high net worth individuals who are more of an asset to than a burden on the island.
Voice For Victims
Voice for Victims is a campaign aimed at promoting the rights of those affected by child sexual abuse.
