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'Ahead of International Men’s Day
@Moreincommon_
has new research into a cohort of disillusioned men who have lost faith in the social contract & the idea that hard work will support a good life, don’t think politics respect them & who are turning away from mainstream politics.The research suggests at around one in eight men are deeply disillusioned using this index, they are most likely to be middle aged, and less likely to live in London or to have gone to university..his group of often describe themselves as struggling financially, which also feeds a zero-sum view among some that others are getting ahead as they struggle. Disillusioned men are more likely than average to think progress for women has come at the expense of men..They overwhelmingly blame politicians for the problems that the country is facing, but also migration and the wealthy and big business. They are far more likely than average to say multiculturalism threatens rather than benefits society..Their frustration at the mainstream to deliver the things which will allow them to lead a good life is driving them away from traditional parties. Half of disillusioned men would now vote for Reform UK - and in a sign their distrust isn’t necessarily irreversible a similar number say a Reform win would make them hopeful.'

https://x.com/LukeTryl/status/1990816409182417194?s=20

That's an interesting thread header which makes some excellent points.

I have to laugh, though, at dropping in the Laffer curve as if it is undeniable gospel and has anything useful to say. Where's the data behind that (or any) Laffer curve?

I remain of the opinion that we should raise taxes on people like me who are fortunate enough to be in the top quartile of income and/or wealth. We should also ensure ALL income if taxed under the same tax regime (e.g roll NI into income tax). We should have a UK FATCA for expats, and a surcharge property tax on UK real estate owned by non-UK citizens and companies.

That said, I would cut spending in some areas too:
* PIP and other disability benefits - tighten the criteria and treat as taxable income.
* State Pension - end the triple-lock.
* Attendance allowance - means test.

Or means test the triple lock

That would be stupidly complicated.

Switch the triple lock from State Pension to Pension Credit (it's currently just inflation-linked) would be better and achieve the same result.

That's an interesting thread header which makes some excellent points.

I have to laugh, though, at dropping in the Laffer curve as if it is undeniable gospel and has anything useful to say. Where's the data behind that (or any) Laffer curve?

I remain of the opinion that we should raise taxes on people like me who are fortunate enough to be in the top quartile of income and/or wealth. We should also ensure ALL income if taxed under the same tax regime (e.g roll NI into income tax). We should have a UK FATCA for expats, and a surcharge property tax on UK real estate owned by non-UK citizens and companies.

That said, I would cut spending in some areas too:
* PIP and other disability benefits - tighten the criteria and treat as taxable income.
* State Pension - end the triple-lock.
* Attendance allowance - means test.

Or means test the triple lock

That would be stupidly complicated.

Switch the triple lock from State Pension to Pension Credit (it's currently just inflation-linked) would be better and achieve the same result.

Pension credits should be stopped.

With auto enrolment of pensions everyone should now be building their own pension pot.

I'm not really sure anyone in the UK is advocating the Scandi model. Maybe Greens. We'd need much more trust in government to hand over sufficient money!

Interestingly the Scandi countries do not have much government debt, by some distance the lowest in Europe. They have always believed in paying for their welfare systems from tax not debt. Germany comes close too.

A cynic may notice that it hasn't generated a great deal of growth, even if not a debt crisis.

Switzerland meanwhile has lower taxes than the UK and Scandi nations, lower spending and still well run public services and no debt

The Swiss do also have compulsory private health insurance, so kinda like a tax but not called a tax, which somewhat flatters their tax picture. But, sure, there’s plenty we can learn from Switzerland. Which features would you copy? Close integration into the EU, a focus on high tech industries, or a much higher proportion of immigrants?

Switzerland not in the EU or even the EEA or a customs union though, only EFTA.

Switzerland also bans the face covering burka so is not that liberal on immigration issues

I'm not really sure anyone in the UK is advocating the Scandi model. Maybe Greens. We'd need much more trust in government to hand over sufficient money!

Interestingly the Scandi countries do not have much government debt, by some distance the lowest in Europe. They have always believed in paying for their welfare systems from tax not debt. Germany comes close too.

A cynic may notice that it hasn't generated a great deal of growth, even if not a debt crisis.

Switzerland meanwhile has lower taxes than the UK and Scandi nations, lower spending and still well run public services and no debt

The Swiss do also have compulsory private health insurance, so kinda like a tax but not called a tax, which somewhat flatters their tax picture. But, sure, there’s plenty we can learn from Switzerland. Which features would you copy? Close integration into the EU, a focus on high tech industries, or a much higher proportion of immigrants?

I would bring in their requirements for obtaining Swiss nationality:

are integrated into Swiss society; (you have the ability to communicate in a national language in everyday situations, both orally and in writing, article 6 SCO);
are accustomed to the Swiss lifestyle and Swiss customs (article 2 SCO);
show respect for public security and order (clear criminal record both in Switzerland and abroad, no debt enforcement or insolvency proceedings in the last five years, no wages withheld, all taxes, child maintenance, rent, social charges and fines paid and you have not publicly expressed support for a crime against public order, a genocide, a crime against humanity, etc., article 4 SCO);
show respect for the values of the Constitution (fundamental rights, gender equality, freedom of religion, freedom of opinion, military service, democracy, principle of compulsory schooling, liability to taxation, etc., article 5 SCO);
are contributing to the country’s economy or completing your education (in employment or education, not reliant on welfare benefits, article 7 SCO);
do not pose a threat to Switzerland’s internal or external security (terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, espionage, etc., article 3 SCO);
encourage and support the integration of your spouse, your registered partner and your children under 18 for whom you hold parental responsibility (article 8 SCO).


Certain requirements would have made a huge difference to society over the last 50 plus years:

As regards familiarisation with the Swiss lifestyle, the authorities will look particularly closely at whether you have a knowledge of Swiss geography, history, politics (civil rights, political structure, legal system, etc.), society (Swiss traditions, social security, health, education, etc.), and whether you take an active part in the social life and customs of the Swiss population and are in contact with Swiss people (article 2 SCO).

Under article 7 SCO, as an applicant for Swiss nationality you must be capable of supporting yourself and your family (housing, food, taxes, travel, insurance etc.) as far as you can predict, via an income, your wealth or payments such as pensions to which you are entitled. So, in principle, as a candidate for Swiss nationality, you are required to be making an effective and active contribution to the country’s economy. You are expected to be active on a professional level, which means undertaking a job of work producing goods or services in order to earn an income to support yourself and your family.

Some communes are allowed a vote to decide if you pass those tests which isn’t a bad idea either. If you want to become a Swiss national you truly have to buy in to the country you want to be a national of which makes it more palatable for the Swiss to accept outsiders into their country which is absolutely fair.