Commission proposals for Wales, of assigning an income tax rate of 10p to England
too. This would mean no change to the UK rates. Similarly this would lead to around
25 percent of English local government expenditure being met by income tax
retained for distribution to English local councils. Unlike Scotland and Wales, I do not
suggest any power to English local government to vary the rate. The usual
equalisation process to councils would take place. In England a 10p rate of income
tax would yield roughly £49bn, around 25 percent of local spending.
“Let local people decide on their spending, their services, on their
electoral system or the use of direct democracy”
Throwing away the crutch of central government will be a frightening as well as an
exciting challenge. There will be no one else to blame anymore. However, devoted
public service has always been characterised by local councillors of all parties, and
they will respond to their liberty. Let local people decide on their spending, their
services, on their electoral system or the use of direct democracy. A thousand flowers
are waiting to bloom locally, not all of them to the liking of whichever political party
is in control at the centre.
The 2015 government must be clear about ending the over-centralisation of England
and letting local government flourish and grow. Otherwise the localities will not only
want for bread but will barely have the strength to raise its traditional begging bowl.
revolutionise.it
40