Politics

Working-class voters overwhelmingly back cutting income tax and business rates in new poll


WORKING-CLASS voters overwhelmingly back cutting income tax and business rates in a new poll.

Data from the Tax Payers’ Alliance show that 60 per cent of voters polled want the basic rate of tax slashed from 20 per cent to 15 per cent.

 Working class communities back tax cuts to boost employment

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Working class communities back tax cuts to boost employmentCredit: Getty – Contributor

In contrast, less than half of middle class voters (46 per cent) demand the same tax cut.

The vast majority of those quizzed also backed a cap on council tax – which had risen at an average of 4.5 per cent in 2019 – with 83 per cent in favour.

Half of those asked, from both lower and middle-class backgrounds felt that stamp duty should be reformed – with the housing tax on payable on homes worth over one million pounds.

The group quizzed voters in Walsall, West Mids, Stoke, Staff and Bristol which also showed that working-class communities are in favour of helping support businesses to boost employment.

Working-class voters are particularly positive towards local shops and new businesses, with around seven in ten believing that local authorities should reduce business rates on high street shops.

‘PATRONISING POLICY IDEAS’

They are more than twice as likely as professionals to back cutting corporation tax to 12.5 per cent, the same level as Ireland’s.

They also overwhelmingly back the scrapping of the BBC licence fee, with 68 per cent supporting getting rid, despite all the main parties committing to it as it stands.

But that view is 28 per cent higher than middle-class voters – one of the biggest differences between the two groups.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Too many Westminster wonks waste time on patronising policy ideas which automatically assume people on modest incomes only want high taxes, hate business and are hankering for government handouts.

“For years, politicians have churned out these condescending and costly policies which mollycoddle the public and end up costing the very people they’re trying to help a fortune in taxes.

“It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that people tend to be aspirational – they want a better life for themselves and their families, and they know that high taxes can get in the way of that dream. They understand that enterprise is a force for good, creating jobs and helping to improve they towns they live in.

“They know it’s bad news for their communities when governments decide to punish British businesses with even higher taxes.

“Indeed, our research shows that working class people understand this better than the well-heeled professional classes.

“Clear, tangible tax cuts can be popular.

“As politicians gear themselves up for weeks of canvassing and door-knocking, they should keep things simple and offer to leave more money in the pockets of those who earned it, and trust them to make better lives for themselves, their families and communities.”

Boris Johnson eyes up £460 tax cut for millions of workers







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