Labour and Taxes: The Balancing Act

Labour and Taxes: The Balancing Act

Most of us dislike paying taxes, yet we all desire the best public services. The reality is that society is evolving—people are living longer, and medical advancements continue to improve our quality of life. However, these benefits come with a price. If our expectations remain high, maintaining the same tax levels is unrealistic.

Are We Better Off Today?

This is a topic of ongoing debate. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), a person earning £35,000 today pays nearly £2,000 less in income tax and national insurance than someone with the same real earnings in 2010. While average earners have seen their tax bills decrease, the top 1% have experienced an increase in their tax burden.

Why Do We Feel Overtaxed?

Taxation extends beyond just income. We also pay VAT, fuel duty, inheritance tax, council tax, capital gains tax, and more. The cumulative effect of these taxes can make us feel overburdened.

The State Pension Dilemma

I've previously discussed how the state pension was introduced when life expectancy was much lower. At that time, most people only received about five years of pension payments after retiring at 65. Now, with average life expectancy in the mid-eighties, the current system is unsustainable without increasing taxes. More people are reaching pension age, reducing the pool of national insurance contributions while increasing the financial burden. The triple lock and a low retirement age relative to life expectancy are simply not sustainable.

The Shift to Personal Pensions

The pension landscape has dramatically changed over the past 30 years, moving from guaranteed pension schemes to contribution-based schemes, which are now the norm. These pensions offer several tax advantages, including free from inheritance tax, tax-free cash, and allowances on contributions.

Logic Behind Tax Increases

Tax increases are never popular, but in the coming weeks, the media will speculate on what the government might do. A friend recently panicked over the possibility of the government scrapping tax-free cash on pensions. While this is possible, it seems unlikely; making pensions unattractive would only increase the financial strain on the state. Additionally, many guaranteed pension schemes are government-backed and include tax-free cash benefits.

Another potential change could involve bringing pensions under inheritance tax (IHT), but this presents logistical challenges. Would one have to liquidate their pension, facing a double tax bill, just to pay the IHT?

More likely are incremental changes—reducing tax allowances on pension contributions, further restricting tax-free cash, or reintroducing limits on pension pot sizes.

Other Tax Considerations

The IHT threshold hasn’t moved in over a decade, effectively serving as a silent tax increase. Scrapping the winter fuel allowance for wealthier pensioners has already been implemented. The government might consider abandoning the triple lock or raising the state pension age. Perhaps a small national insurance contribution for pensioners could help fund the NHS and care costs.

Capital gains and dividend tax allowances have already been significantly reduced under the Conservative government, so eliminating them entirely wouldn't be a shock. Corporation tax changes might also be necessary, but balancing this with the need to attract investment is a delicate act.

A wealth tax of 1% on every home in the UK could potentially replace council tax, though this is highly unlikely and would be a radical move. Taxes on cars, such as increasing fuel duty or vehicle tax, could also be easy targets.

A Guessing Game