IFS verdict that major parties not being truthful

100% if a party were standing and being brutally honest but had the countries interest at heart.

You need to pay more tax if you want this level of service etc. Fine, happy to pay for brilliant public services.

That sort of honesty is seriously lacking.

Why hasn't one of the parties for instance suggested for the next five years, we have a ring fenced NHS tax to drag it into the state we hope and expect for. I'd support that, and it doesn't have to those on the lowest earnings that are asked to pay.

I think when it boils down to it, most people are reasonable when treated with respect and honesty. Only the extremists left or right won't ever see sense.

 

But what happens when someone tells the truth, the media get their hands on it and twist it to a negative message they can run for weeks?

Like it or not, politicians, are influenced in what they say because of how they are treated and questioned by media... The vast majority of which is owned by people not domiciled in the UK but seem to enjoy spinning rubbish that sticks.

It would be great if media moguls truly represented politics to the people so they can make their mind up on their own. Just look at the flak labour have taken for raising taxes even though they've said they wouldnt... Then imagine the headlines and reactions if they said they actually were going to.

 

I don't get that logic mate. Why would you be scared of the truth? Media would eventually get crucified for it when the 'truth' is proven.

 

Since when has the Express, Mail, Sun, Telegraph et al peddled truth or been shy about telling the most extraordinary lies?

 

Of course labour are going to raise taxes. Not many would mind that if we then got value for money and it didn't result in the government spoffing our money away on stupid decisions or worse to their chums. As soon as either of these happens then we've got problems.

 

I think in some form, at some point, Labour will raise taxes. The economy is so trashed and society so crumbling that not to raise taxes would only continue the country's decline UNLESSS there is the growth that Starmer keeps going on about. If there is no improvement Labour will be hammered. If there are tax rises though Labour will be hammered. Starmer has boxed himself into a hole and if that growth doesn't happen (and there's no commitment to getting into the single market or customs union to help) there will be hell to pay in 5 years time. Starmer has got to deliver something tangible or Labour are in real trouble down the line. There's also the prospect of people who've been sidelined by Starmer (on the left) starting to find their voice again. As I said, he has to make a material difference or he'll face attack from all sides. Got to be better than the Tories of course but there are big problems ahead for Labour - the Lib Dems could pick up more votes next time and the greens could start breaking through as well....
Bottom line is he should introduce PR in order to maintain a progressive front next election. He wont though cos he'll win this time with a big majority.

 

Booooo Starmer has never lied

 

That's a lie mate

 

You’re living in a fantasy land I’m afraid.

 

Because the media decide the "truth" for a vast majority of people in most countries. That's why oligarchs first move is to control the media.

 

You keep voting for liars and accept it. Now that is living in a nightmare land.

 

Bring back one man,one vote - your vote then actually means something.

I have no allegiance to anyone , and frankly find all candidates not very credible

It’s nailed on Labour will get in - my concern here is their idea of what a ‘working man’ is.

just looking at their reluctance to publish/confirm stance on taxes is very concerning. You might think they are for our idea of a ‘working man/woman’ etc but look at CGT on inherited property -potentially they could clobber folk with 40% of profit from the price bought at - if your parents bought at £30000 , you inherit at value £150000, then 40% of £120000 could be coming your way

Pension tax free lump sums are a target

KS is from working class stock , got privately educated with a scholarship as his parents couldn’t afford the fees when the school turned private - he wants to tax more the very same system he has benefitted from

I’m not saying any party has a magic wand but be careful what you wish for

 

Don’t forget the miners pension fund - I understand a few have had their nose in the trough - all supposition of course

 

They've confirmed their stance many many times. Could not be clearer that they will not raise taxes

 

Some changes that could be useful

unemployed - litter picking and making good communal areas in a full working week

unemployed that can work, but choose not to work - no vote- if you don’t pay into it, should you have a say on it?

care fund - £50 per month deducted from salary / benefits - this current system is creaking at the seams

3 tier healthcare at £30/£50 and £75 per month per household - from salary and benefits

working folk with children £50 per month per child from birth to go into a first house deposit fund - this money can be invested elsewhere by the govt. until it ‘matures’

folk who don’t cancel appts at GPs with an hours notice -£50 fine , from salary or benefit

somethings got to give unfortunately

 

Trust me, they will raise taxes !

conservatives traditionally cut / privatise, Labour overspend on public sector - that’s coming from 1 place only - taxation

75% of private pensions are now on a platform using drawdown courtesy of pensions freedom that was introduced- this is a sitting duck !

 

Here’s what will happen -
Labour will get in power
Their feet will be under the table for 4-6 weeks and remain tight lipped
Rachel reeves will then look grey faces and solemn behind her lectern outside number 10 with assembled members of-the press
She will then tell us they’ve poured through the country’s books and it’s a lot worse than they thought
That’s when we’ll be hit with the good news about various taxes!

 

Oh well, now you've said trust you that makes it true

 

It can’t come from anywhere else

in that scenario that isn’t a wealthy individual, it’s a working man/woman that could easily be ourselves/parents etc

 

Name one other area that isn’t a tax that this level of finding could be achieved from ?