Why don't men complain?

nigelbb

DT2001 wrote: »

In France I believe you pay tax on household income divided by individuals (children count as 1/2 or something similar). Would this be fairer, maybe even allow more care (children/parents) at home and thus reduce burden on state.

nigelbb wrote: »

That's exactly how the system in France works. It works especially well if one partner earns nothing or a low income as the total household income is spread across two personal allowances & tiers of income tax rates.

zagfles wrote: »

Yes, resulting in lower marginal tax rates for families, whereas the system here is the opposite, with independant taxation and means/income tested benefits (child ben/tax credits) which are withdrawn as income increases, resulting in higher marginal tax rates for families, typically at least 73% effective tax rate up to average income.


So in France, families are encouraged to support themselves, whereas in the UK, they are encouraged to rely on benefits. Which is probably why we have a far greater proprotion of children in workless households despite having lower unemployment.

Plus why we have a low wage economy with employers effectively subsidised by the government by being able to pay low wages knowing that in work benefits will make up the difference to a living wage.