Alistair Darling to raise income tax rate for top earners

[swamp]

45% at 150K will, at the worst, only marginally affect some high-end contractors.

It won't raise much tax either, but it will win some votes.

[Doggy Styles]

Heard on the radio this morning to justify the new 45% tax band: "Why should Jonathan Ross pay tax at the same rate as a doctor?"

[Moscow Mule]

Heard on the radio this morning to justify the new 45% tax band: "Why should Jonathan Ross pay tax at the same rate as a doctor?"

Heard on the radio this morning to justify the new 45% tax band: "Why should Jonathan Ross pay tax at the same rate as a doctor?"

Was it on twice?

If anything JR should be on a punitive "annoyance factor" tax. As should Bob Crow, Bruce Forcythe and other far too numerous to mention here...

[BrilloPad]

Was it on twice?

If anything JR should be on a punitive "annoyance factor" tax. As should Bob Crow, Bruce Forcythe and other far too numerous to mention here...

I know his neighbours would agree with you......

[d000hg]

I really don't see the problem. 45% is not really that high on earnings over £150K compared to the current rate. It's also not that high compared to other EU countries.

If it was 60% on all earnings over £50K you'd maybe see lots of people leaving the UK, but this is hardly going to change anybody's lifestyle.

[Purple Dalek]

I really don't see the problem. 45% is not really that high on earnings over £150K compared to the current rate. It's also not that high compared to other EU countries.

If it was 60% on all earnings over £50K you'd maybe see lots of people leaving the UK, but this is hardly going to change anybody's lifestyle.

You've forgotten to add NI contributions...

Common mistake.

[d000hg]

You've forgotten to add NI contributions...

Common mistake.

It's still not a big change. You're already paying 40% on everything over ~£35K, an extra 5% on everything over £150K isn't a big deal. In fact I don't see why we don't already have a "super-high" income tax band... £35k is quite low for a higher tax bracket.

[Purple Dalek]

It's still not a big change. You're already paying 40% on everything over ~£35K, an extra 5% on everything over £150K isn't a big deal. In fact I don't see why we don't already have a "super-high" income tax band... £35k is quite low for a higher tax bracket.

You don't think that the tax take is way too high already, and that adding further complication to the system is a dumb idea?

[bobhope]

I really don't see the problem. 45% is not really that high on earnings over £150K compared to the current rate. It's also not that high compared to other EU countries.

If it was 60% on all earnings over £50K you'd maybe see lots of people leaving the UK, but this is hardly going to change anybody's lifestyle.

Exactly whose money is it?

[d000hg]

You don't think that the tax take is way too high already, and that adding further complication to the system is a dumb idea?

Income tax bands are hardly complicated, adding a higher one is not exactly going to make it confusing.