Leftist economic ideas are based on the worst human emotions, the UK edition

[Sheilbh]

If it is illegal, sue them. If there are loopholes, fix them. Everything else is bullshit excuse for dirty populism aimed to please the plebs.

Is there anything about democracy you like?

I don't see the issue with this. We've got very low property taxes by international standards, especially when you compare London (which'll pay 90% of this tax) to, say, New York or Paris. Hopefully, though this is probably optimistic, it'll take a little air out of the bubble.

[Admiral Yi]

I don't see the issue with this. We've got very low property taxes by international standards, especially when you compare London (which'll pay 90% of this tax) to, say, New York or Paris. Hopefully, though this is probably optimistic, it'll take a little air out of the bubble.

Then presumably taxes should be raised on everyone.

[Richard Hakluyt]

The current property taxes are regressive, I would prefer to see them replaced with a pro rata tax on the value of real estate. This would also raise far more money than the token "mansion tax" nonsense.

The residential property tax in the UK is known as the Council Tax. The highest band of house worth millions pays only 3x what someone living in a one-room hovel would pay.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_Tax#Current_bands

[Sheilbh]

Then presumably taxes should be raised on everyone.

I've no issue with that. Council tax is based on property values in 1993 which is mad. Though I think an important part of the bubble is investment purchases of these properties. In London less than half of the houses with this valuation are even occupied and foreign owners are responsible for over 50% of purchases (and, until next year, don't pay CGT if they're non-doms). Personally I'd want to deflate it at the top and build Surrey for the rest

Personally though I'd far rather see a land value tax.

[Razgovory]

What is the worst of the human emotions?

[The Brain]

If only there were easily recognizable pillars of leftdom lying around somewhere.

[Tamas]

If it is illegal, sue them. If there are loopholes, fix them. Everything else is bullshit excuse for dirty populism aimed to please the plebs.

Is there anything about democracy you like?

I don't see the issue with this. We've got very low property taxes by international standards, especially when you compare London (which'll pay 90% of this tax) to, say, New York or Paris. Hopefully, though this is probably optimistic, it'll take a little air out of the bubble.

I love little of democracy's marriage with the welfare state, yes, because I think it is a corrosive combination that is counterproductive. To solve this, I am not suggesting dropping democracy (although I would be very willing to accept some kind of solution which would limit influence on the budget to voters who actually contribute to it), I am suggesting cutting the welfare state.

[Sheilbh]

Democracy adopting the welfare state saved it

(although I would be very willing to accept some kind of solution which would limit influence on the budget to voters who actually contribute to it)

So the elderly who've contributed for 40 years? The disabled? Everyone pays VAT, or does that not count?

[The Brain]

One beet, one vote.

[mongers]

Democracy adopting the welfare state saved it

(although I would be very willing to accept some kind of solution which would limit influence on the budget to voters who actually contribute to it)

So the elderly who've contributed for 40 years? The disabled? Everyone pays VAT, or does that not count?

I think Tamas wants a return to the poor laws and the workhouse.   

[derspiess]

One beet, one vote.

No justice, no beets.

[Admiral Yi]

I would be in favor of supermajority requirements for any fiscal legislation that is not strictly proportional; i.e. an increase in the progressivity of the existing income tax rates.

[The Brain]

One beet, one vote.

No justice, no beets.

No glove, no love.

[Razgovory]

Democracy adopting the welfare state saved it

(although I would be very willing to accept some kind of solution which would limit influence on the budget to voters who actually contribute to it)

So the elderly who've contributed for 40 years? The disabled? Everyone pays VAT, or does that not count?

He's reaching the terminal stages of libertarianism.   The limiting of democracy to destroy the evils of welfare.

[Grey Fox]

If it is illegal, sue them. If there are loopholes, fix them. Everything else is bullshit excuse for dirty populism aimed to please the plebs.

Is there anything about democracy you like?

I don't see the issue with this. We've got very low property taxes by international standards, especially when you compare London (which'll pay 90% of this tax) to, say, New York or Paris. Hopefully, though this is probably optimistic, it'll take a little air out of the bubble.

I love little of democracy's marriage with the welfare state, yes, because I think it is a corrosive combination that is counterproductive. To solve this, I am not suggesting dropping democracy (although I would be very willing to accept some kind of solution which would limit influence on the budget to voters who actually contribute to it), I am suggesting cutting the welfare state.

The welfare state is the only thing keeping you alive & out of trenches.