The news that Britain "now ranks 28th out of 34 countries in the equality league
table" is appalling, and something which should become a major election issue in
the next sixteen months. Cameron, Osborne and Clegg may have suddenly become very
concerned for the low-paid, but it is clearly Labour`s responsibility to propose
some major redistribution of the country`s wealth, and it could make a start by
restoring some of the trade unions` lost power; promising legislation to ensure
workers` representation at boardroom level would at least restore an element of
collective bargaining. If it was sensible for West Germany to adopt this policy
of co-determination in the early 1950s, it`s surely about time Britain did, in
the 21st century!
Pledges on minimum wage levels might be
sufficient for the Tories, but the inevitable response from employers, anxious
to maintain profit levels, will be more part-time and zero-hours contracts, and,
no doubt, a greater determination to cheat the taxman. Unscrupulous and
unregulated landlords will be eager to share in their tenants` pay rise by
increasing rents, so Labour`s "joined-up" thinking on these issues is essential.
Similarly, promises to increase taxation need not be shirked, as long as they
are based on a return to fairness; even in Thatcher`s day, top levels of income
tax were 60%, and there are few arguments, economic or ethical, against the
present need for top rates to be higher. Fear of losing the support of the
"squeezed middle" should not be a problem, as those around average incomes or
below pay enough taxes already. Rich, who enjoy the benefits of the country`s
taxpayer- funded health, transport and security systems, but who avoid paying
their fair share should lose all honours and representative
positions.
Ally a progressive tax policy to a
determination to root out avoidance and punish evaders with imprisonment, and
not only would Labour start making headway on the road to less inequality, it
might even win the election!
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