
Tax reform offers the Government a rare opportunity to make real policy changes
Our mini-series this week revealed points of broad consensus and points of approaching conflict on the centre right in terms of how the tax burden is distributed.
Our mini-series this week revealed points of broad consensus and points of approaching conflict on the centre right in terms of how the tax burden is distributed.
The underlying motive for this tradition, though now often dressed up in quasi-medical language, is as much aesthetic as sanitary.
And there are other policies she could pursue. More nurseries in primary schools. Tougher school discipline. Longer sentences for child abuse.
The policy risks more than 4,000 jobs but will only reduce calorie intake by five calories per person, per day.
Demonising one product surely cannot be the answer.
Small retailers will be hit hard.
This is about encouraging industry to reduce sugar content, improve school sport and empower parents, not abolish individual responsibility.
The TPA identifies 325 taxpayer-funded public health employees. Combined with Public Health England’s budget of around £3.6 billion, this is an expensive and powerful lobby.
Now that Osborne has gone, so too should this un-conservative levy.
Only ten years ago we’d have been mid-table, but since 2007 single-issue campaigners have struck a string of blows against lifestyle freedom.
Plus: Contrite Soubry. Ashcroft’s Party. The Chancellor’s forecasts and the OBR’s admission. P.S: Re those Clarke memoirs, I admit that I can’t wait to read them.
Especially so for smaller firms and entrepreneurs.
And evidence from abroad suggests that it will fail in its declared aim of reducing obesity.
Steve Double called for one on this site yesterday, but available evidence suggests it would be deeply regressive and would not work.
As a supporter of low taxes, I was less than enthusiastic about such proposals – but I’m now convinced that something must be done.