Debate: taxation and equality

Gordon Brown's 2002 budget reaffirmed the case for fair taxation to pay for public services and the welfare state. But just how redistributive was it? Not enough, suggest two commentaries following up Catalyst's response to the budget.

David Byrne suggests that the real beneficiaries of the Thatcher years are still getting off lightly and that the revenue that might be raised by more sharply progressive taxation on the highest incomes is not to be sniffed at. Ruth Levitas argues that such measures will have to be taken if we are to reverse the staggering growth of inequalities in income and wealth that have opened up in our society over the past thirty years.

Squeeze the rich until the pips squeak? - Dave Byrne

We need a progressive tax system - Ruth Levitas

Read Martin McIvor's Red Pepper article on taxation and the budget here.

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