Energy Prices
Posted by Greg Pope, MP for Hyndburn, at 10:51, Tue 26 August 2008:
I'm interested in hearing from constituents about whether or not we should levy a windfall tax on energy companies in order to help people struggling with ever higher fuel bills. Or do you think that the case for this is outweighed by other factors - the energy companies might simply pass the tax on to consumers in even higher bills, for example?
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Posted by Jake long, 17:48, Tue 26 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
I think that the government are getting too much tax without the need for more, however I think that I have come up with an innovative solution which would benefit all without the need for a tax increase; quite the opposite in fact:
The best solution would be if the government gave the energy companies tax reductions and then the energy companies could pass these savings on to their customers.
Posted by Bob Allonby, 21:14, Thu 28 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
A windfall tax is a bureaucratic device which will cost more to administer than it would recoup.
Far better that there was a limit on how much can be charged per energy unit.
Or better still what's wrong with nationalising energy? Too radical for this Labour government?
Posted by Phil Hampson, 20:50, Fri 29 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
I am in favour of a windfall tax, similar to the one employed in 1997. There are two caveats; 1) the tax colected must be redirected at those households who, for whatever reason, are paying excessive bills (e.g. seriously or terminally ill people living at home, and families with young children); 2) the energy companies must not be allowed to simply raise their prices again to recoup the same from the consumer. They should account for their incredible profits and keep only what they need to invest. It is not as if they have designed and manufactured a product and have a right to call it their own. It's natural and should be used for the benefit of all. Finally, how much would 'town gas' cost to produce? We all had this before 1970. With modern technology, it could be made without its toxic side effects.
Posted by steve blower, 15:37, Sat 30 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
Which ever party is in power at the time.Should not be surprised that the suppliers of these services consider that profit is their first priority and not the plight of their product users. Rather than taxing these companies which goes against the governments own polices of free enterprise. Then should look at others ways, for instance increase pensions, get out of the EEC,increase manufacturing industry,look to make a better country for all areas of society not just a sector of of this country.
Posted by Dorothy Sewell, 15:27, Sun 31 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
A windfall tax would be a good idea if the money raised would go to the people in most need,e.g the millions of low income families hit by the 10pence tax fiasco. Better to cap the rate of increases to that of the rate of inflation as in France.Maybe the government is reaping what is has sown by allowing most of our Utilities to fall into foreign hands.
Posted by Martin Byrne, 16:56, Sun 31 August 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
A windfall tax sounds good in theory but would not directly benefit the people who are having difficulty paying the ever increasing cost of gas and electricity. Better to introduce controls on prices [a stick for the utility companies] and fiscal benefits for the utility companies that introduce substantially discounted tariffs for the poor [the corresponding carrot]. The fact that price increases are being introduced while oil prices are actually falling is something the Government should also investigate.