ANDREW GRIFFITH: Burnham would rather tax us all to death than take hard decisions
The article argues that Labour is likely to raise taxes in the forthcoming Budget, criticising Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey for allegedly avoiding difficult decisions on public spending and welfare. It says this would place further pressure on pensioners, families, businesses, investors and people hoping to move home, while increasing uncertainty about savings and inheritances.
It cites claims that the tax burden is at its highest since the Second World War, payrolls have fallen by more than 200,000 since Labour took office, and one in five working-age adults receives universal credit. The article also refers to a Sky News dossier mentioning possible reforms to capital and property taxes, reports that nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training, and says government borrowing is £8.1 billion above expectations; these figures and policy interpretations are presented from the author’s critical perspective.
- The article predicts further Labour tax rises in the October Budget.
- It criticises welfare spending and the lack of spending cuts.
- Pensioners, homeowners, businesses and investors may face higher costs.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of higher taxes could argue that deteriorating public finances and pressure on public services require difficult choices, including raising revenue rather than imposing deeper cuts. They might say targeted reforms to wealth, property or inheritance taxes could distribute the burden more fairly, while investment in welfare, skills and employment may help address inactivity and long-term economic weakness.
The case against
Critics could argue that raising taxes further risks weakening household finances, business investment and incentives to work or save, especially when the tax burden is already high. They might contend that ministers should first reduce waste, reform welfare and make harder spending choices, warning that uncertainty over property, pensions and inheritance could damage confidence and economic growth.