This country is going to the dogs
Discussion
If this country was a company, with Tony Blair the MD, the receivers would have been called long ago, and the Directors would be banned from future Directorships.
Tax in this country is ludicrous. Politicians often quote the comparatively low rate of income tax in relation to other countries. They’ve missed the plot entirely – the overall tax liability for UK citizens is obscenely high. I demonstrate:
I leave school and get a job – my income is taxed, plus I pay NI.
I buy a house and I have to pay stamp duty on said house.
I also have to pay local taxes (rates) because I now own a house.
I buy a car so that I can drive from my house to my job and I pay Road Tax.
I fill the car up with petrol so that the engine can rotate, and I have to pay exorbitant tax on the fuel.
On my way to work there are (unnecessary) roadworks on the motorway – paid for by my road fund license. These roadworks have a 40 mph limit and, but my speed is 45 mph so I’m taxed by a speed camera.
I manage to save some money because I’m heeding the Government’s advice about preparing for the future – I’m taxed on that.
Now my car is an essential tool for my job so you would think it’s tax deductible – guess again. It’s a company car so I have another ‘special’ tax on that.
During my life I need to buy stuff in order to live – I pay VAT on that.
I set up a company, because the Government is encouraging entrepreneurs – this means employing people. I pay employers NI on everything my staff earn + they pay tax as well.
Eventually the company makes a profit, however I’m now lumbered with Corp Tax.
In exchange for my staff performing well and making a profit, I offer them a ‘thank you’ by giving a few perks (karting, meals, west end shows) – I’m taxed on that.
Eventually, I sell my company in order to retire. I pay CGT on that.
The stress of all this eventually gives me a heart attack and I die. However, having heeded the Government’s advice about saving for my retirement I have a reasonable estate which my kids can inherit. But, oh dear, the have to pay IHT on my demise.
Now, I wouldn’t object to the above if public services reflected my contribution. But, I have to pay for my family to have private health care – because the hospitals are overstretched. I have to send my kids to private schools because the quality of education is appalling. Well, at least I’ll have a decent pension after all of my outgoings NOT. Unfortunately I also have to take out a private pension scheme – because the Government’s squandered all my money.
If I ran my company the way the Government runs the country - every week I'd be broadcast on "Watchdog" and I'd be (rightly) sued by my staff, clients and suppliers.
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:29
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:32
Tax in this country is ludicrous. Politicians often quote the comparatively low rate of income tax in relation to other countries. They’ve missed the plot entirely – the overall tax liability for UK citizens is obscenely high. I demonstrate:
I leave school and get a job – my income is taxed, plus I pay NI.
I buy a house and I have to pay stamp duty on said house.
I also have to pay local taxes (rates) because I now own a house.
I buy a car so that I can drive from my house to my job and I pay Road Tax.
I fill the car up with petrol so that the engine can rotate, and I have to pay exorbitant tax on the fuel.
On my way to work there are (unnecessary) roadworks on the motorway – paid for by my road fund license. These roadworks have a 40 mph limit and, but my speed is 45 mph so I’m taxed by a speed camera.
I manage to save some money because I’m heeding the Government’s advice about preparing for the future – I’m taxed on that.
Now my car is an essential tool for my job so you would think it’s tax deductible – guess again. It’s a company car so I have another ‘special’ tax on that.
During my life I need to buy stuff in order to live – I pay VAT on that.
I set up a company, because the Government is encouraging entrepreneurs – this means employing people. I pay employers NI on everything my staff earn + they pay tax as well.
Eventually the company makes a profit, however I’m now lumbered with Corp Tax.
In exchange for my staff performing well and making a profit, I offer them a ‘thank you’ by giving a few perks (karting, meals, west end shows) – I’m taxed on that.
Eventually, I sell my company in order to retire. I pay CGT on that.
The stress of all this eventually gives me a heart attack and I die. However, having heeded the Government’s advice about saving for my retirement I have a reasonable estate which my kids can inherit. But, oh dear, the have to pay IHT on my demise.
Now, I wouldn’t object to the above if public services reflected my contribution. But, I have to pay for my family to have private health care – because the hospitals are overstretched. I have to send my kids to private schools because the quality of education is appalling. Well, at least I’ll have a decent pension after all of my outgoings NOT. Unfortunately I also have to take out a private pension scheme – because the Government’s squandered all my money.
If I ran my company the way the Government runs the country - every week I'd be broadcast on "Watchdog" and I'd be (rightly) sued by my staff, clients and suppliers.
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:29
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:32
srebbe64 said:On the other hand, it may well be one of those companies making trillions every picosecond. The point is that working for that sort of company isn't always going to be a pleasant experience.
If this country was a company ... the receivers would have been called long ago ...
Quality of life is not necessarily proportionate to how profitable the country is in £££ terms...
beano500 said:
If this country was a company ... the receivers would have been called long ago ...
On the other hand, it may well be one of those companies making trillions every picosecond. The point is that working for that sort of company isn't always going to be a pleasant experience.
Quality of life is not necessarily proportionate to how profitable the country is in £££ terms...
The quality of life in this country would improved big time if the public services refelected the monies paid by its citizens!
You aren't the only one to notice this my friend, I have looked at bailing out and living abroad, however every country seems to also "be going to the dogs" according to the locals, with the exception of Oz, but they wouldn't take me (obviously still need a criminal record to be accepted 
)
If we get a half decent govt in power next election, things should improve a bit, else this lot may just have to raise taxes a bit to pay for a comittee to look into why our tax burden is so high
) If we get a half decent govt in power next election, things should improve a bit, else this lot may just have to raise taxes a bit to pay for a comittee to look into why our tax burden is so high
shirley temple said:
... I have looked at bailing out and living abroad, however every country seems to also "be going to the dogs" according to the locals, with the exception of Oz,...
I've been thinking about Dubai/UAE for a few weeks now.... Anyone else considered that? (I know we have a few PHers over in UAE already)
I was going to write a massive essay, but you all know anyway.......
Come the revolution....I am convinced that there have been a few pre-crisis warnings, which the government have ignored. I am sat watching this space very enthusiastically. The English may be all talk but if someone can motivate a large scale uprising, it is that son of a dog, Bliar.
Come the revolution....I am convinced that there have been a few pre-crisis warnings, which the government have ignored. I am sat watching this space very enthusiastically. The English may be all talk but if someone can motivate a large scale uprising, it is that son of a dog, Bliar.
I think everyone in this country has, at one time or other had the same thoughts as you .
But you only have to sit back and take stock of what happening around the world lately ( Africa, Tsunami, Iraq )just to name a few, so we dont have it to bad here in this country.
Hey even the land of the free has to put up with
>> Edited by zooooom on Saturday 8th January 17:40
But you only have to sit back and take stock of what happening around the world lately ( Africa, Tsunami, Iraq )just to name a few, so we dont have it to bad here in this country.
Hey even the land of the free has to put up with
>> Edited by zooooom on Saturday 8th January 17:40
c c said:
Revaluations seem to start when the peasants can’t afford bread while the elite are eating cake.
Be careful what you wish for.
Parallels are pointless, the situation is unique, allthough does have a parallel with the rise of the Nazi party.......(Well, that's what my Dad reckons, but as well as historian, he's a numpty!)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3973019.stm
When you realise just how much money is wasted on propping up an edifice of such gargantuan cash hunger, often to obfuscate and embitter the issues and challenges of the day, it's a constant shocker.
The poster's post is one of the ubiquitous groans that defines many on PH and I thank him profundly for it, expressing the main impositions with laudable clarity.
After all, debating fora which attempt coverage of critical matters of the day, like the hopelessly left-slanted audience dominated QT on BBC1 define and typify the mindless 'rightonitude' of the post-3rd way zeitgeist.
Trendy 'un-pc' claptrap like 'Grumpy Old Men' offer the promise of decent spleen venting but the protagonists themselves are sometimes a tad too 'Islington luvvie' to court full credibility in matters of rightish ranting...
...ergo the joy of a quality, unashamedly right-of-right groan or moan, just like this one, the very stuff of PH, as far as I'm concerned.
And long may it be so.
More refreshing than an Exxon Valdez laden with Woodpecker cider.
Btw, when's the election?
When you realise just how much money is wasted on propping up an edifice of such gargantuan cash hunger, often to obfuscate and embitter the issues and challenges of the day, it's a constant shocker.
The poster's post is one of the ubiquitous groans that defines many on PH and I thank him profundly for it, expressing the main impositions with laudable clarity.
After all, debating fora which attempt coverage of critical matters of the day, like the hopelessly left-slanted audience dominated QT on BBC1 define and typify the mindless 'rightonitude' of the post-3rd way zeitgeist.
Trendy 'un-pc' claptrap like 'Grumpy Old Men' offer the promise of decent spleen venting but the protagonists themselves are sometimes a tad too 'Islington luvvie' to court full credibility in matters of rightish ranting...
...ergo the joy of a quality, unashamedly right-of-right groan or moan, just like this one, the very stuff of PH, as far as I'm concerned.
And long may it be so.
More refreshing than an Exxon Valdez laden with Woodpecker cider.
Btw, when's the election?
srebbe64 said:
If this country was a company, with Tony Blair the MD, the receivers would have been called long ago, and the Directors would be banned from future Directorships.
Tax in this country is ludicrous. Politicians often quote the comparatively low rate of income tax in relation to other countries. They’ve missed the plot entirely – the overall tax liability for UK citizens is obscenely high. I demonstrate:
I leave school and get a job – my income is taxed, plus I pay NI.
I buy a house and I have to pay stamp duty on said house.
I also have to pay local taxes (rates) because I now own a house.
I buy a car so that I can drive from my house to my job and I pay Road Tax.
I fill the car up with petrol so that the engine can rotate, and I have to pay exorbitant tax on the fuel.
On my way to work there are (unnecessary) roadworks on the motorway – paid for by my road fund license. These roadworks have a 40 mph limit and, but my speed is 45 mph so I’m taxed by a speed camera.
I manage to save some money because I’m heeding the Government’s advice about preparing for the future – I’m taxed on that.
Now my car is an essential tool for my job so you would think it’s tax deductible – guess again. It’s a company car so I have another ‘special’ tax on that.
During my life I need to buy stuff in order to live – I pay VAT on that.
I set up a company, because the Government is encouraging entrepreneurs – this means employing people. I pay employers NI on everything my staff earn + they pay tax as well.
Eventually the company makes a profit, however I’m now lumbered with Corp Tax.
In exchange for my staff performing well and making a profit, I offer them a ‘thank you’ by giving a few perks (karting, meals, west end shows) – I’m taxed on that.
Eventually, I sell my company in order to retire. I pay CGT on that.
The stress of all this eventually gives me a heart attack and I die. However, having heeded the Government’s advice about saving for my retirement I have a reasonable estate which my kids can inherit. But, oh dear, the have to pay IHT on my demise.
Now, I wouldn’t object to the above if public services reflected my contribution. But, I have to pay for my family to have private health care – because the hospitals are overstretched. I have to send my kids to private schools because the quality of education is appalling. Well, at least I’ll have a decent pension after all of my outgoings NOT. Unfortunately I also have to take out a private pension scheme – because the Government’s squandered all my money.
If I ran my company the way the Government runs the country - every week I'd be broadcast on "Watchdog" and I'd be (rightly) sued by my staff, clients and suppliers.
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:29
>>> Edited by srebbe64 on Saturday 8th January 14:32
Too BLOODY true, I can appreciate that things 40 years ago must have been alot more orderly, perhaps WW2 and the Cold War did this. Though its time to go back to religeous values, Metrosexual, Sininthecitysexfulness and all that crap is tearing the country apart.
derestrictor said:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3973019.stm
When you realise just how much money is wasted on propping up an edifice of such gargantuan cash hunger, often to obfuscate and embitter the issues and challenges of the day, it's a constant shocker.
How would you change such a thing though? I think it is beyond reform. Europe? (
) I quite like the idea of ditching our country into a UNITED EUROPE (Not a Federal, decentralised bollocks though) but they seem to have a bigger problem than us, useless pyramid wise. It really does make me want to be a Robinson Crusoe on some island somewhere.
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