The David McWilliams Podcast The Behavioural Budget: How Tax Shapes Us
25 snips
Oct 14, 2025 Explore the intriguing concept that taxation could be more about influencing behavior than merely raising revenue. Discover how Ireland might leverage its unique financial position to use taxes as tools for tackling issues like derelict properties and carbon emissions. The conversation draws on past budget crises and the lessons from them, questioning whether borrowing could be a sustainable alternative. Plus, ponder the potential for new political dynamics in the wake of economic changes. It's a thought-provoking discussion on economics and societal behavior.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tax To End Property Dereliction
- Target dereliction with both strong tax penalties for owners who leave properties vacant and generous tax breaks for renovators.
- Make incentives extreme enough to change owner behaviour and reduce social costs.
Debt Is Relative, Not Moral
- Debt must be assessed relative to income and GDP, not as an absolute moral failing.
- Historical panics over debt often mix economic concerns with moralising rhetoric like 'rapture' narratives.
Spending Favours Current Costs
- Current public spending dominated the recent budget increases, while infrastructure received only a small share.
- This bias toward current expenditure raises long-term vulnerability if revenues fall.
