Public opinion no longer a barrier to increasing taxes on wealthy, new research suggests
Two thirds say they would prefer higher taxes to protect public services rather than cuts
New research suggests public opinion is no longer a barrier to increasing taxes on the most wealthy.
The new report found 85 per cent of people support increasing taxes on the wealthy, including those who would likely have to end up paying more into the public purse as a result.
The research was compiled by the Diffley Partnership for Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and looked at how people understand wealth inequality, taxation and the role of government in addressing economic inequality.
It also found 90 per cent think wealth inequality harms Scottish society, and a further 83 per cent said the wealth gap is too large.
Two-thirds also said they would prefer higher taxes to protect public services rather than cuts, and 70 per cent support reform so higher-value properties pay more council tax.
In its final report, the alliance said: “Taken together, these findings carry a clear implication - public opinion in Scotland is not the barrier to action on wealth inequality.
“Across every area explored in this research, from attitudes to inequality itself, to support for taxing wealth to openness to broader contributions and council tax reform, a consistent pattern emerges.
“People recognise wealth inequality, they consider it harmful, and they believe those with the greatest resources should contribute more to addressing it.”
The report said the argument that taxing wealth is “politically impossible” is “no longer credible” based on this research.
It added: “Public support is not unconditional. People evaluate tax reforms carefully and expect them to meet clear standards of fairness, effectiveness and transparency.
“Support for reform is therefore conditional on credible political leadership.
“People want reassurance that policies will be implemented competently, that vulnerable groups will be protected, and that additional revenue will be used to produce visible improvements in people’s lives.
“The challenge is therefore not to manufacture consent, but to lead with clarity, fairness and credibility.
“If government demonstrates that reforms are progressive, proportionate, enforceable and transparently linked to better outcomes, there is genuine political space for change.
“If they fail to act, it will not be because the public was unwilling - the political excuse no longer holds.”
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