First off, I just want to reiterate that I think this piece is great. You’ve set out the foundations for something which could be built into a viable economic plan. There are only a couple of points which I just want to make.
- A prime example would be investment in our regions. We should incentivise companies to set up in poorer parts of the country via grants and tax breaks. We should train people in those areas to be capable of working in these industries. And we should build transport links to improve business effectiveness around the country.
Osborne & company will argue that this is exactly what they have in mind with the idea of their ‘Northern Powerhouse’ (laughably empty as the term may seem, particularly in regard to recent weather developments). I’m pretty sure there is some sort in system in place re: grants/tax breaks for companies setting up there — there are certainly plans in place both to provide a better link between the North & London via HS2, but also between the various Northern cities, for example — as you can see on this map.
All I’m saying regarding this point is that the Conservatives will congratulate you for (as they’ll present it) copying one of their policies.
2) Maybe a proactive state could implement a sugar tax to benefit the health of the nation, and hopefully reduce future healthcare costs. Offsetting this, healthier food could be subsidised.
Now this one’s tough for me. On the one hand, there’s no denying that diet-related diseases are a ticking time bomb for this country. If something is not done about it, the NHS will be overwhelmed in a generation if not before. Yet the reason I feel torn is that percentage-wise it is the poorest in the population who eat the most junk-food. This would be seen as a tax on the poorest segment of society, and it would be oh-so-easy for such a tax proposal to be presented by the opposition as another example of an out-of-touch Labour party nannying poor people, by essentially force them into eating healthily. Plus I would argue that it’s not hugely likely to make a difference. From what my mates tell me, cigarettes can be a bloody expensive habit, since they’re highly taxed by the government. Doesn’t seem to stop people from smoking, whatever their socio-economic background. Sugar is addictive, like nicotine. Once you’re hooked, you will keep on buying it regardless of whether it’s worth 50p more or not.
Anyway, like I said, I thought the piece was great; those were the only minor issues I had with it. I look forward to reading more of your writing :)