Oral Answers to Questions

Adrian Sanders Excerpts

Tuesday 6th November 2012 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The only sustainable growth is long-term growth in private sector jobs.

[Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD)]

20. What his policy is on taxation on unearned wealth; and if he will make a statement.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The Government are committed to a fair tax system in which those with the most contribute the most. The UK’s tax system is a progressive one, and wealthy individuals make a substantial contribution to the Exchequer. The Government have increased that contribution in a number of ways since the election.

[Mr Sanders]

Social mobility for younger people in Torbay is often curtailed by inequality not of income but of wealth, meaning that far too many will never be able to buy their own homes. Will he redress that imbalance by taxing unearned income as much as we tax the wages of the vast majority of my constituents?

[Mr Gauke]

The Government have increased stamp duty land tax on the most valuable properties. We have also increased the rate of capital gains tax. It is a question of balancing that with practicalities; we think that some of the proposals in this area may have a number of practical difficulties. But we have taken action on some of the taxes that have increased the burden on the wealthiest.