Tax System Fairness 2024-02-06
2024-02-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns over fairness and equity in the UK tax system, particularly regarding recent council tax increases despite national tax cuts.
What steps have been taken to ensure fairness in the tax system given that most households will see a 5% increase in their council tax due to local government funding issues? Why did the Chancellor freeze budgets for levelling up and housing, leading to an OBR forecast of £13 billion more in council tax?
We have provided additional £600 million to local councils, though future spending will be determined at future fiscal events. The tax system supports fairness with progressive measures and cuts for many taxpayers, addressing those who avoid paying their fair share.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about the impact of frozen departmental budgets on council funding was not directly addressed; focus shifted to praise for councils and additional funds provided.
Shifted Focus
Highlighted Positive Actions
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Discussion about fairness in taxation, prompted by concerns over a Labour proposal to spend £28 billion without specifying funding sources.
Considering the Labour party's proposed £28 billion spending commitment, which group would bear the heaviest tax burden if implemented?
Labour's policy lacks clarity on funding sources; any increase in spending would come from taxpayers' pockets or further borrowing, impacting everyone's finances.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over tax avoidance and the need to close loopholes for non-doms, private schools, and private equity to fund public services.
Has the Government assessed or plans to assess the merits of Labour's proposals to close tax loopholes affecting non-domiciled individuals, private schools, and private equity?
The Government supports measures against tax avoidance but criticises Labour for opposing such measures in the Finance Bill without proposing alternatives. No direct response to the assessment inquiry.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether an assessment is planned was not directly answered; instead, criticism of Labour's voting record was highlighted.
Criticised Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Concern over waste in procurement and governance of major projects leading to higher taxes due to inefficient use of public funds.
Given the Comptroller's report on mismanaged procurements costing up to £28 billion annually, does the Minister agree that this waste contributes to tax increases?
Tax rises are due to pandemic support (£350 billion) and cost-of-living measures (£100 billion), not mismanaged procurements. The Government reduces taxes when possible, contrasting with Labour's approach of increasing them both necessary and chosen times.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about government waste was shifted to address the reasons for tax increases instead.
Changed Subject
Provided Alternative Reason
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussion on the necessity of tax increases due to economic support measures versus waste in government spending.
While noting that up to £28 billion is wasted annually, does the Minister agree this wastage contributes to higher taxes?
Tax increases are a result of economic support (£350 billion for pandemic and £100 billion for cost-of-living), contrasting with Labour's stance on raising taxes unnecessarily. The Government reduces taxes when possible, unlike Labour's continuous tax hikes.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about wastage was not directly answered; instead, focus shifted to reasons for previous tax increases.
Changed Subject
Provided Alternative Reason
Response accuracy