Is the tax system fair?
Senator Mike Vibert
We have to continually strive to make the tax system as fair as possible. No-one enjoys paying tax but it is realised it is a necessity s as to provide needed public services. It is vital to support the least well-off from being unfairly penalised by our tax system.
Montfort Tadier
It is fairer to some than it is on others. It is ‘very fair’ on 1(1)Ks, who can negotiate their level of taxes, and low earners who fall below the threshold. As usual, it is the middle earners who foot the bill.
Deputy Sarah Ferguson
I think that the fact that single people pay more tax than married couples but end up with less benefits is unfair. GST is said to be regressive but it has progressive elements – those who spend more pay more.
Deputy Alan Maclean
No. I don’t know any jurisdiction where residents would claim that they had a fair tax system! It’s one of the fairest but with room for improvement. With the impact of rising prices we need to look at further raising the tax thresholds for middle income families and pensioners.
Cliff Le Clercq
It needs a review. Single people are unduly hammered, and when a relationship breaks down rebuilding two single lives is seriously hampered by this situation and can keep people struggling indefinitely. Increasing thresholds before tax would relieve some of the pain, as we pay so much tax on everything already.
Senator Philip Ozouf
We needed to change our taxation system. When GST was chosen as the least worst option, lower earners were insulated from GST (and all other rising costs). Higher earners no longer get all allowances and pay more tax. I favour a progressive tax system.
Mike Higgins
No, the taxation system is not fair. It is skewed to favouring the rich in the Island and companies at the expense of people on low and middle incomes. GST is a prime example as is 20 means 20. There are no development or capital gains taxes which favour the rich.
Nick Palmer
Not particularly. I don’t think you could find a system that everyone thinks is fair but just recently the 20 means 20 changes seem to have increased unfairness.
Senator Paul Routier
We must ensure that it is as equitable as possible in these changing circumstances. I voted to exempt GST on food, but as this did not happen we must now increase income tax allowances to help with food inflation. We must also have higher incentives for pensioners’ savings.
Deputy Alan Breckon
The transfer of taxes from companies to individuals will cause some pain and increase people’s living costs. I do not think GST is fair because the cost of living is already high and imposing tax on essentials is morally bankrupt while allowing UK companies and others to export profits.
Deputy Geoff Southern
I believe in progressive taxation, and the fairest means of gathering tax is through income tax since it makes allowance for household circumstances. GST is regressive, and must be removed altogether now, while it is still at 3%. I believe this can be done with a fair programme of measures.
Trevor Pitman
I firmly believe that progressive taxation through income tax is the fairest way of collecting tax. Nobody likes paying tax, yet as a ‘middle earner’ I am quite happy to pay more than someone not so fortunate. GST is regressive and can – and must – be replaced with fairer.
Chris Perkins
No. Zero/ten has meant that middle income Jersey is now taking a much greater share of the tax burden through 20 means 20 and the poor are faced with higher taxes through GST. A tax on property speculation should be introduced. This may also slow down the property market.
Nick Le Cornu
We operate a ‘tax haven economy’. Fairness is not intended. It favours the wealthy and provides a shelter from the tax policies of other places. Within Jersey the tax burden falls unreasonably upon the least well off and GST is the latest example.
Ian Le Marquand
Not entirely. I am against GST on food and essential utilities and heating for homes. A fair system makes richer people pay more tax than poor people. This must be balanced with a good incentive for people to work hard and provide for themselves and their children.
Mark Forskitt
No – it is regressive.