Quote:
Originally posted by vidcc+2 April 2004 - 21:11--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (vidcc @ 2 April 2004 - 21:11)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-J'Pol@2 April 2004 - 11:27
In actual fact the high tax on petrol in the UK is Excise Duty and the "Purchase Tax" he refers to is V.A.T. There has not been Purchase Tax in the UK since pre 1973 (as I understand it).
There are many reasons why the distinction between duties and taxes are significant. Primary amongst these is that Taxes are purely revenue raising. Excise duty however, also has a social or environmental aspect to it. The Government can therefore have higher Excise duties on Petrol, Tobacco, Alcohol etc, so as not merely to raise revenue, but also to discourage excessive use. I think it is apparent that fewer cars on the road, burning less petrol, is a good thing.
I have no particular problem with this. The money to run the health service, schools etc must come from somewhere. If it comes from a source over which I have a degree of control, so much the better. I can choose a smaller engine, or public transport, or car sharing in order to minimize my tax burden.
Those in countries which pay less in taxes or duties should also look at cost of things like health care, education etc. One hears horror stories of ill people, with no insurance and unable to pay for the health care they need. I know things are far from perfect in the UK, but we have always had a good service. I hate to think what the bills would have been for both of my parents, had we not had the National Health Service.
Enjoy your 5L Gas Guzzler and your Gas at $1 a tankful, I prefer our way, Philistines.
Jpol this is why i said before that you appear to view yourself as an authority on the "WORD" of the law.