Should all taxes and duties and benefits be the same ithrougout Europe?

Question

Cigs,booze cheaper,----touch more vat, ---income tax less for most,----but higher paid get clobbered.
Parasite MP's won't go for it..... would you?

Answer 1

Of course. Eliminating anomalies across borders must, in the long run, help trade. It would also lessen tensions between the populations of countries where living standards differ and would eliminate the need for economic migration.

But why do you say MPs won't go for it? (and which ones are parasitic, by the way? Vote them out at the next election)

All the governments of the EU are working towards tax harmonisation. The MPs of various countries refuse to change things where they do not think their electorate will approve.

Britain is quite vociferous in this context. We have a number of special exemptions because the government does not think that you would approve of the changes need to harmonise taxes.

OK, examplesof some of the changes that would be necessary.

VAT would have to be charged at 5% or more on food, children's clothing, items for the disabled and many other things. This is more than a "touch more" for the low earners.

What about VAT on the sale of houses? 17.5%? What would that do to our housing market?

I could go on for pages but I hope you get my message. We are getting there but slowly, slowly.

Answer 2

The EU is the finest trading institution in the world. It is a shame the UK doesn't have the balls to join the Euro.

The different VAT rates are an anomaly. VAT replaced purchase tax in all member states with the aim of eventual harmonisation. Now the stubbornness of member states wanting to control their own VAT rates costs them billions in fraud.

Cigs and booze are not cheaper throughout the EU than they are in the UK. The Spanish, French, Belgians and Poles may charge less, but try going Denmark or Sweden.

Other states seem to charge less for petrol and diesel, but the price gap is shrinking fast, couple this with motorway tolls and you probably pay more to drive in France than in the UK!

I would like to see the tax systems brought into line with each other. It would be the natural follow on from monetary union.

Answer 3

This country is now a satelite of europe , i believe we should leave the EU , and leave the thieving little parasites to their own devices , we were conned , this not about harmonisation , but a totalitarian state were a dictatorship who we fought against in the last war , will win due to these spineless wimps we have in parliament .