Dear Dave

 

Dear Dave

 

I can’t say I’m your biggest fan……or a fan at all to be honest. I’m pleased you got re-elected for the simple reason that the alternative looked scary. But there are some things that you have to address far closer to home than the ongoing shenanigans across the water in Euroland.

 

There are key changes to the tax, pensions and welfare regimes I would like my Prime Minister to make. I believe if you do, UK plc will be economically stronger, more equal, more motivated and more productive. That can’t be a bad thing surely?

 

1. Lower The State Pension Age For Manual Workers

A whole generation of manual workers face a bleak future as the state pension age increases. A later state pension age is fine if you are in a relatively easy, white-collar role……but manual workers face the potential of real hardship, working in physically demanding jobs until their 70s if the current trends continue. Is this really fair?

 

2. Introduce Fairer Wealth Taxes

Please reconsider the automatic exemption from capital gains tax on profits from the sale of main residences. Ridiculously high gains should be capped at an appropriate allowance. This addresses the current market impact of wealthy properties sold in London providing huge gains for their owners, who move to cheaper areas without paying a penny of tax on their substantial gains. It’s all about addressing inequality, division of wealth and addressing balances.

 

3. Amend Regulation So The Less Well-Off Have Easier Access To Advice

Much of the recent regulatory changes are welcome and overdue……delivering professionalism and stability. However, it has gone too far when it prices so many people out of basic advice. The Government need to sponsor advice for the poorest to help beat poverty for good……or simply allow a tax break so that all can get the advice they need. It’s in UK plc’s best interest after all!

 

4. Introduce A Living Wage By Statute

The minimum wage is no longer enough for those at the bottom in terms of living standards. It is time to introduce a living wage. We are not a third world country……we are one of the world’s powerhouses with an economy to envy. Let’s get the standard of living right for far more……that should be a pre-requisite in 2015 UK surely?

 

5. Invest In Lifelong Training & Development of the Workforce

In the UK, an investment in people will lead to more transferable skills and greater productivity in an economy that is currently fracturing between the wealthiest and the rest. Productivity is still declining, even as the economy recovers. This will take its toll on long-term growth……affecting us all.

 

Just a few very basic, yet very obvious thoughts Dave on where you might want to channel your energies rather than the obvious spin we will all hear leading up to the Budget on 8 July 2015.  

 

Kind regards

 

A Concerned UK Citizen