Insight 45 - Magazine - Page 3
Welcome...
Inspire to Aspire
T
oday there is a genuine concern
that our benefits claimant’s volume
is increasing considerably, and we
believe that there is a range of reasons why
this situation exists.
There is always a need for taxation to
deliver a range of public services and
today there are many services delivered by
government. The population that works
pays taxes to cover the cost of the services
delivered.
With over 9 million people now claiming
benefits this leaves a smaller population
earning and paying taxes and this against
a declining population due to falling birth
rates and higher levels of immigration
numbers the overall population continues
to rise.
Therefore, those that are working
and paying personal taxes are taking
responsibility for the social value they
create. Sadly, however there is today
a greater demand for tax income by
government to support society and the
graph demonstrates this,
• The relevant government political party
applying the rate of taxable income is
shown
• The continued rise in population
• The level of inflation
• The growth in taxation because of the
tax-free levels not following average wage
levels.
This is yet a further example of the lack of
inspiration preventing aspiration.
If the government increases the tax-free
limit more in keeping with reality, then
there would be a much greater level of
encouragement for people to work and a
vast reduction in benefit payment issues.
I remember interviewing people
recommended by DWP for a particular role
and they would often say that they wanted
a job to avoid queuing at the Benefits
office every Thursday which they do not
do today.
By creating an environment with a more
realisable return on the effort invested,
there would likely be an increased tax
income and reduction in benefit claimants,
and we will inspire to aspire.
ADRIAN HAWKINS OBE
Chairman - biz4Biz
Chairman - Hertfordshire Futures Board
Chairman - Stevenage Development Board
Chairman - Hertfordshire Skills & Employment Board
biz4Biz.org
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