Adam Smith Institute Director Eamonn Butler has written for The Spectator looking ahead to the new government’s tax policy options after the release of his new IEA primer on taxation.

Eamonn wrote:

“As I find in a timely new book, An Introduction to Taxation for Institute of Economic Affairs, some taxes are much more damaging than others. Higher taxes on struggling businesses, for example, like rises in employer national insurance, would be extremely harmful, because they are ultimately borne by consumers and workers, not just business owners. Higher capital gains taxes – another option Reeves has left open – would further distort saving and investment decisions, driving investment abroad and hitting UK productivity.

“If the government is going to raise taxes, it should instead focus on shifting the tax burden away from productive activities like work, saving, and investment, and onto harmful things such as pollution and environmental degradation.

“It is a challenge, but the opportunity to reform the fiscal landscape has never been greater. With realistic, principled leadership, Reeves could chart a course that takes the UK on its way to sustainable long-term growth, while still upholding the values of fairness and equity that her party has long stood for.”

Read Eamonn’s full piece here.

You can also read a full copy of An Introduction to Taxation.