READERS might be bemused by the debates about tax that Budget time brings. Labour might not want to target the rich, but the SNP should not rely on that as an easy comparison.
For 15 years of Conservative Westminster power, 1951-64, the top rate of tax was at least 88.75%. Then Ted Heath’s government reduced it to 75%.
We should remember that the poorest people also pay VAT, so are subsiding the very rich who use the NHS or primary schools etc.
Under the Wilson/Callaghan 1974-9 Labour government the top rate of tax for earned income was increased to 83%, and for investment income to a reasonable 98%.
Even under Thatcher until 1988 the top rate of tax for both earned and investment income was 60%.
Obviously there’s plenty of money for health, housing and education, it’s just our elected politicians would rather rob our working and underemployed poor, not the very rich in Scotland.
Norman Lockhart
Innerleithen
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel