Labour is being accused of killing aspiration with plans for a so-called 'death tax' to pay for social care, a move that critics say punishes people who have worked hard all their lives.
Tax burden and mansion tax
Writing in the Express, Virginia Blackburn argues that people in the UK are being penalised for success, pointing to the high tax burden, a mooted 'mansion tax' on homes that are often terraced houses in the south-east, and now proposals for a death tax on estates to fund social care.
The only consolation, she writes, is that inheritance tax is so unpopular that it could be the last nail in the coffin for the Prime Minister, who has no mandate. She recalls that when the Tories previously announced they would raise the inheritance tax threshold to £1 million, their standing shot up in the polls, and suggests they should do so again.
Alternative funding: cutting benefits
Blackburn acknowledges that social care must be paid for, but argues that instead of penalising families who have worked hard and want to pass something on to their children, the government should tackle the 'bloated benefits bill'. She notes that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims have doubled since 2019, with more than four million people now claiming them.
She questions whether the number of people requiring PIP can possibly be that high, and contends that anxiety and depression should not be grounds for staying off work, suggesting that getting out and doing something can help mental health.
Unfair taxation
Blackburn describes taxing people's estates as grossly unfair, since the money has already been taxed. She argues that this is why socialism fails every time it is tried, because it does not take into account human nature to strive and try.
She also criticises Gary Lineker, who has claimed he wants to pay more tax despite having successfully fought the Revenue over a £4.9 million tax bill. 'No one’s stopping you, love. Go right ahead,' she writes.
Labour's class warfare
Blackburn praises Margaret Thatcher for understanding the importance of encouraging entrepreneurs and creating a positive business environment, noting that Thatcher won three elections and was never defeated by the electorate. In contrast, she says Andy Burnham has yet to win one election.
She concludes that Labour is wallowing in class warfare, envy, and a 'soak the rich' attitude, which will eventually be their downfall, and that day cannot come a moment too soon.
