Most people none the wiser about party tax policies ahead of election
Although 43% of UK citizens believe that tax will play the biggest role in the upcoming general election, over 80% feel they have little or no real understanding of the main parties' tax policies.
These are the key findings of a recent survey conducted by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) of 2,047 people from across the UK.
According to the study, 32 per cent of respondents said they had almost no understanding of the Liberal Democrat’s policy on tax. 26 per cent said they had a complete understanding of Labour’s approach to tax compared with 21 per cent for the Conservatives.
Council tax proved to be the UK’s least popular tax, with 30 per cent of respondents claiming it to be the tax they most resent paying, closely followed by inheritance tax with 21 per cent of the vote. Only 17 percent of respondents understood exactly where their tax money went and only 21 per cent would consider paying more tax for improved public services.
In Wales, only 7 per cent of respondents felt that they completely understood Plaid Cymru’s approach to tax while 19 per cent of Scottish respondents felt they fully grasped the taxation policy of the SNP.
Glenn Collins, Head of Advisory Services for ACCA UK, said: “With only two weeks before the General Election, it is alarming that the UK electorate still feels so unsure of the main political parties’ policies towards tax. There is an urgent need for clarity, transparency and certainty in the UK taxation system and in party policy to ensure that we go to the polls educated about the impact of our vote on the future of the UK economy.”
Posted April 27, 2010
- Free Accounts Software for small businesses - Download TAS Basics Now!
- Starting Up? Get 18 months free banking, and much more from Lloyds TSB!
- Home Business Insurance - Save money with Direct Line for Business. We guarantee to beat any quote for the same cover. Immediate quote available.
