British people happy to pay higher taxes for better public services
It would be interesting to do a rural urban split on the results in this article – I think we might find more people in rural areas, not withstanding their significant social capital, prepared to pay more in taxes for a better deal. The article tells us:
Britons want more money spent on public services and are happy to pay for it, according to a report on social attitudes.
A study by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) out today found that 48% of people interviewed wanted higher taxes to pay for more spending on health, education and social benefits. This is the highest level for more than a decade.
The figures showed 44% wanted tax levels to stay the same and 4% would like to see taxes cut. Despite the recent swing today’s results have still not reached the heights of the 1990s when six in ten favoured more spending.
The report stated: “The story told by NatCen’s report is of a country expecting more from the state.
“There are clear signs of increased support for a government that is more generous with its spending and a growing public willingness to pay for it.”