S4M-14008: Poorest 10% Paying 45% Tax

21 Aug 2015

That the Parliament notes the conclusion of recent research conducted by the Taxpayers’ Alliance that, in 2013-14, the poorest 10% of households paid an average of 45% of their gross income in taxes; further notes the finding suggesting that VAT is the most burdensome tax for households in the lower half of the income scale, while income tax is the most burdensome for people on higher incomes; notes the view that those with the broadest shoulders should bear the greatest burden, and believes that, if the poorest in society pay 45% of their income in tax, it cannot be said that the UK tax system is progressive.