Making Money Your taxes are about to go up (again)
85 snips
Oct 6, 2025 
Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, dives into the UK's pressing tax and public service challenges. With tax levels at record highs and public services under strain, she emphasizes the need for honest political dialogue about reform. Miller argues for bold, comprehensive tax changes to avoid punitive measures for citizens. She also discusses the implications of rising costs in healthcare and welfare, urging for long-term planning in taxes and pensions to ensure sustainability. Overall, she offers a cautiously optimistic view on potential solutions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Complex Reforms Lose To Simple Narratives
- Political communication favors simple narratives, making detailed tax reform politically hard.
- Engaging citizens through clearer long-form debate could make complex reforms more acceptable.
Stop Designing Tax By Last-Minute Forecasts
- Short-term forecasting deadlines drive rushed tax decisions that lack long-term vision.
- Helen Miller warns tax policy should be guided by long-term design, not micro-decisions based on a weeks-old forecast.
Fix Property Taxes, Scrap Stamp Duty
- Stamp duty is economically harmful and council tax is regressive and outdated.
- Replacing transaction taxes with a modern property valuation-based tax would reduce distortions and improve fairness.