19-03-2013, 02:45 PM
(19-03-2013, 02:32 PM)declantg Wrote: Fancied a bit of a debate so here goes...
how would you "fix" Britain?
Think this is a topic everyone can relate to, seeing as most live in the UK
Here's my suggestions..
-increased tax on cigarettes and alcohol
-ridding the JSA and replacing it with a "pay as you go" kind of system, more jobs you apply for the more you are eligible to claim, capped of course
-tomato legalisation and taxing of around 40%
-supermarkets to be made fewer to increase local businesses
-100% British produce to be sold where possible
Come on, lets here some ideas...
Whilst increasing tax on cigarettes & drink is a great idea to fund the government a bit more, and maybe stop a few more people from doing it - those who are addicted or just don't want to stop will keep on spending their money to the point that it affects them in other ways.
In my town there are a LOT of people who do live on benefits, and to be able to afford the booze and the cigarettes, sometimes that means either stealing the actual items (something I deal with every day in my job), or use crime in other areas to fund it.
It really sparks a butterfly effect, those who want will provide, those who want but don't have, will find other means to get said want.
There's other ways to source money other than causing more debt problems for those who sadly don't know better than to stop.
That said, personally I would be a little annoyed at another alcohol tax increase. I am not a drinker at all, the last time I had more than 1 drink in an evening was the Christmas Meet! Even New Years Eve I was on the Lemsip, but when I do go out and have a pint with my meal, I don't want to be paying nearly a fiver for a decent pint of beer, however if it puts other people off of getting absolutely shitfaced.. possibly.
Again though, driving alcohol prices up only really affects licensed bars and clubs, supermarkets, offlicenses etc don't really see much of this loss - they can adjust their prices and deals to not really hit them that hard.
'Sin taxes' as they are quite commonly referred to, will of course steer moderate users away, but those who have a high demand will keep on buying no matter what problems it causes them or others.