The 2015 Popularity Contest (aka UK General Election )

[Milk]

Is that what it says?

"The value of every parcel of land in Britain would be assessed regularly and the land value tax levied as a percentage of those assessed values."

That's how I read it.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

"The value of every parcel of land in Britain would be assessed regularly and the land value tax levied as a percentage of those assessed values."

That's how I read it.

It's possible, but there was this bit a few paragraphs further down

"The valuation would be based on market evidence, in accordance with the optimum use of the land within the planning regulations. If the current planning restrictions on the use were altered, the site would be reassessed."

So as farm land might be commercially less valuable per acre than development land (per planning permissions for the land), it would seem that commercial land would be valued more than farming land? Or have I misread it?

So whereas farmland goes for around £10,000 an acre, this tiny bit of 'residential' land in London is on the market for £150,000. As I understood it, that residential plot would be taxed way more than the farm plot. I might have got the wrong end of the stick though.

 

[roydo]

Doesnt the Queen technically own pretty much all the land?

Sure I read that once.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Doesnt the Queen technically own pretty much all the land?

Sure I read that once.

It's in Scotland, but up there, 432 people are believed to own 50 percent of the land. Not sure if it's similar in England.

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-committees/scottish-affairs/432-Land-Reform-Paper.pdf

 

[Milk]

It's possible, but there was this bit a few paragraphs further down

"The valuation would be based on market evidence, in accordance with the optimum use of the land within the planning regulations. If the current planning restrictions on the use were altered, the site would be reassessed."

So as farm land might be commercially less valuable per acre than development land (per planning permissions for the land), it would seem that commercial land would be valued more than farming land? Or have I misread it?

So whereas farmland goes for around £10,000 an acre, this tiny bit of 'residential' land in London is on the market for £150,000. As I understood it, that residential plot would be taxed way more than the farm plot. I might have got the wrong end of the stick though.

Yes but there is a LOT more farmland than any residential plot. So an small plot in London may be worth £1m/ac but that's only 100 acres of commercial farm land. IF it was introduced, apart from being grossly unfair to the sons of toil, it would trigger hefty food price increases so that those who work the land can pay the tax. So in other words, it's badly thought out nonsense.

Nobody objects to paying FAIR tax and all the Google, Amazon, Virgin etc tax avoidance does is make all those who do pay even more irate

 

[Milk]

Doesnt the Queen technically own pretty much all the land?

Sure I read that once.

Not if James Dyson can help it ......... he's busily buying up Lincolnshire with the money raised from his Thai factories (so far 25,000 acres and counting)

 

[magicjuan]

I know myself I'm quite happy to look at a variety of things before purchasing something (item or service), so it's not just a financial decision for me. I'm sure I'm not really any different to many people in that regard?

As noble and empowering as that is it isn't viable as a broad brush stroke. There are many areas where choice become s extremely limited, the lower the income the less opportunity to make a moral decision. Think buying lots of poor dietary foods versus nutritious organic foods, there is a conscious vonsvience decision to be made but for vast swathes the decision is purely economically made.

The system of wealth creation and distribution is so intertwined and complex that only those wealthy enough can buy into it. It retains its own methods to a select type that also service the same system, it has become a gentleman's club heading towards feudalism withexpendable serfs becoming a commodity, parts to be replaced whenworn out.

No one speaks of a class system anymore as if the whole thing evaporated in the 80s, but it isstronger than ever andmore acute, the burden is heavier the lower down someone exists, regardless of how hard they work or struggle, yet there is an obscene industry of vapid celebrity that feeds off those below. The vulgar flaunting of wealth and increase in wealth by lack of payback and contribution would dmake Marie Antoinette blushthese days

 

[Bruce Wayne]

On the topic of privilege, this video might be of interest. It's about a possible future of education.

 

[Clint Planet]

http://www.theguardian.com/world/20...urveillance-powers-debate-says-philip-hammond

Time to move on from mass illegal surveillance - let it go, for heaven's sake. And let's not dwell on the espenses scandal or that Westminster paedo ring thingy, either.

Scum.

 

[Toffeelover]

Depends on what you define as "Ordinary Goods" as there is no VAT on food or children's clothes.

20% makes the maths easier though

The goods I refer to as ordinary are those charged to VAT now. I was proposing to hit luxury goods as outlined with a higher rate of VAt.

 

[roydo]

Not if James Dyson can help it ......... he's busily buying up Lincolnshire with the money raised from his Thai factories (so far 25,000 acres and counting)

Really? What for??

 

[Bruce Wayne]

Not if James Dyson can help it ......... he's busily hoovering up Lincolnshire with the money raised from his Thai factories (so far 25,000 acres and counting)

Fixed that for you

 

[Toffeelover]

I can see both sides.

Are the rich paying their theoretical fair share of tax? No.
However, raising taxes will see the richest leave. One thing about this economy, good or bad, is that we are an attractive place for rich business people (esp if you have Tory mates in govt. Then you pay 0% tax!!). Pushing them out would see overall tax revenue drop. It's a toughie.

How did you work out the super rich pay zero tax? What evidence do you have? Have you seen their tax return?

 

[Toffeelover]

It's also worth noting that the tax system educates the workforce of these tax-avoiding corporations, it keeps their workforce healthy through the NHS, it tops up their workforce's wages when they are paid too little through working benefits, it pays part/all of their pensions when they retire. What are tax-avoiding corporations bringing to the party?

Friend what tax avoidance companies are you referring to, names please?

 

[Milk]

The goods I refer to as ordinary are those charged to VAT now. I was proposing to hit luxury goods as outlined with a higher rate of VAt.

I can see your point but it would be unworkable due to the definitions. To some, a 42" TV is a luxury but to others its a right of passage.
Would end up in a massive knot.
But VAT is an iniquitous tax (unless you can claim it back)