- Position‹2 of 2
- No, the wealthy should not have to pay more tax
Wealthy people do not utilise public services as much as the non-wealthy, relieving pressure on the system.
The argument
A sizeable portion of wealthy people opt out of using public services, including education, healthcare, and transport, in most cases relieving pressure on already stretched systems. Despite not using these services, most wealthy people continue to be happy to make a reasonable contribution towards their maintenance. However, the expectation that they should pay an increased amount for services that they do not use would be seen as presumptuous.
Premises
Counter-arguments
Under the current capitalist economic model the richer you are the more societal and material benefits you receive. This includes attaining a higher standard of public services delivered in part by the private sector. This minority do economically better out of the current economic model and can therefore afford to pay a higher rate in taxation to fund public services for the majority. Wealthy individuals also derive the bulk of their income from fixed assets. Society and the economy are set up in a way that benefits the asset rich, while punishing those who are asset poor. The tax system reflects this bias, ensuring a lower rate of tax on dividends and shares compared to income earned through employment.
Rejecting the premises
[Rejecting P2] This does not outweigh the benefits the wealthy receive from society.