Business is the wealth generator of the UK, and small and family businesses are the often neglected heart of the UK economy, with family businesses alone employing nearly four in ten of the UK’s workforce. We propose ways to make the UK an economy all businesses can thrive in.
Robin Hood or Sheriff of Nottingham? Winners and losers from tax and benefit reform over the last 10 years
This paper compares the share of taxes (direct and indirect) paid by household income groups in 2004-05 with the share of taxes paid in 1996-97. It also compares the share of benefits received by each household income group over the same period. All data are from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
The Larceny of the Lottery Fund
Ruth Lea looks at the Lottery Fund and investigates the distribution and funds and its overall organisation in The Larceny of The Lottery Fund. With a foreword by former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major.
The Leviathan is still at large: a report by the CPS review team
This report is a digest of the open, and often personal views of senior figures, including those representing Trade Associations, across the financial services industry.
Tax Simplification: How, and why, it must be done
Tolley’s Tax Handbooks 2004-2005 are the standard manuals on current tax law for tax practitioners. They are about 11,000 pages long.
Public Sector Borrowing: keep a grip
In a speech to the CBI in Manchester (of 20 January 2005), the Governor of the Bank of England urged the Chancellor to maintain a firm grip on government borrowing.
If this is Conservatism, I am a Conservative
Lord Saatchi on why the Conservative Party should ditch pragmatism and (re)discover idealism.
Declining Government Productivity: another tax on the economy
The level of government spending, the public sector’s role in the economy and the government’s productivity record are worrying.
Public Spending Trends: winners and losers
Total public sector spending has increased substantially since 1997/98 and, especially, since 1999/2000. This is well documented. But what is less well-documented is just how disparate the experience of the departmental “winners and losers” has been (and will continue to be if the current Government’s plans are implemented). This short Perspective seeks to redress the balance.
Time to seize the moment: “À la carte Europe” is the future for the EU
The failure of, and acrimony at, last week’s summit has only added to the feeling that the EU is in a state of crisis.
A failure to act inspired by political cowardice?
It cannot be ignorance. Ministers and officials know the score about Britain’s precarious energy supplies. If their failure to act – as distinct from appointing inquiries – is because of complacency, it is risk-taking to the point of recklessness. Many suspect the real reason that prevents them from “selling” the need for nuclear power to safeguard future supplies of electricity at a reasonable cost is political cowardice born of political correctness.
An overview of the flat tax
There has been much welcome discussion in recent months concerning a flat tax.
Seeking the common ground
The Centre for Policy Studies is facilitating a series of meetings, gathering together Conservatives from all points of view within the Party along with representatives from interested think tanks, to discuss the future of Tory philosophy and strategy.
Take poor families out of tax!
Amongst advocates of a lower (and simpler) tax economy, there is increasing support for the notion that one of the most effective and socially desirable targets for tax reduction would be to raise the thresholds at which poor families start paying income tax.
Tax and spend: no way to run an economy
There is no doubt that the current Government has increased the size of the public sector significantly.
Pollyanna, not prudence the Chancellor’s finances
On 2 December 2004, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is due to present his next Pre-Budget Report – his eighth. Political commentators will, doubtless, be listening for any hints concerning any election giveaways that may be announced in next year’s Budget – probably the last before the next election.
