I know, I know. Nothing for months and then two posts in as many days. You really shouldn't be surprised, it's Labour Party Conference week!
And if you thoughts two posts in two days was a shock, brace yourselves.....
I agree with Harriet Harman.
There. I said it. You can quote me. But only on this specific issue - the issue of a Mansion Tax.
I honestly can't see any problem with slapping a tax on houses with a value of £2million or more. Yes, most of the people with those houses have worked flaming hard to be able to afford them. Yes, they already contribute through hefty taxation on their income. Yes, we want to encourage people to strive for success, to create jobs, to give others someone to aspire to emulate.
But if you can afford to spend £2million on a house, then you're wealthy enough to give just a little bit more.
If it means that people who are mortgaged up to the hilt on their £2million mansion (more front than Blackpool as my mother would say) feel pushed to downsize to something less ostentatious - I can live with that. They should live within their means.
If it means that some of the poorer members of the aristocracy find that this is the final straw that forces them to sell their inherited pile that they haven't really been able to afford to keep up with for decades - I can live with that as well. It's a shame, but time marches on.
If it means that some of the empty properties that have been bought but never occupied by the super wealthy get sold - I can live with that very happily. It won't though. Ms Harman has said that it will target such property speculators, but she's wrong (see, I knew it wouldn't last).
So, yes. I am in favour of the Mansion Tax. It's just a shame that if they are elected next May and bring it in, Labour will squander every penny it raises on another Orwellian vanity project.
Apologies for the interruption caused by recessive socialism. Normal service is resumed.
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