I didn’t know much about Reform UK but when you delve into their website and read their policies here is my reason for voting:
• Free up 6 million people from paying Income Tax by lifting the minimum threshold to £20,000 from £12,571 p.a. This amounts to 1 in 5 taxpayers. Basic Income Tax rate stays at 20%.
• The less well-off benefit proportionately the most, saving £1,500 p.a. @£20,000 salary, circa £30 per week.
• Free up 1.2 million SMEs from paying Corporation Tax (over 80% of companies) by lifting the minimum profit threshold to £100,000. • Reduce the cost of living by lowering consumer taxes, which will reduce inflation whilst stimulating growth: –Scrap VAT on energy bills = saves £100 / year per household.
-Scrap environmental levies = saves £160 / year per household. -Lower fuel duty by 20p / litre = saves £240 / year per driver. -Lower VAT from 20% to 18% = saves £300 / year per household.
See how much you might save by voting for Reform UK
Motivations for Reform:
- Dissatisfaction with the status quo: Many people in this age group may feel that the traditional parties, Labour and Conservative, have not adequately addressed the challenges facing the country, such as the cost of living, healthcare, and climate change. They may be looking for a new approach that offers more radical change.
- A desire for a fairer society: Reform parties often emphasize policies aimed at reducing inequality and increasing social mobility. This may appeal to voters who feel that the current system is stacked in favor of the wealthy and powerful.
- Specific policy proposals: Some reform parties may have specific policies that are particularly attractive to certain groups of voters within this age range, such as tuition fee abolition for young people or increased investment in environmental protection.
Pros and Cons of Voting Reform:
Pros:
- The potential for positive change: Reform parties often promise to shake up the political establishment and bring about meaningful change. This can be appealing to voters who are tired of the status quo.
- A wider range of ideas: Reform parties can offer a broader range of perspectives on the issues facing the country, which can lead to more informed debate and decision-making.
- Holding the major parties accountable: Even if a reform party does not win many seats, it can still play a role in holding the major parties accountable by putting pressure on them to adopt more popular policies.
Cons:
- Uncertainty and risk: Reform parties are often untested, and there is no guarantee that they will be able to deliver on their promises. Voting for a reform party may therefore be seen as a risky option.
- Lack of experience: Reform parties may lack the experience and resources of the major parties, which could make it difficult for them to implement their policies effectively.
- Dividing the vote: If the vote is split between too many parties, it could make it more difficult for any one party to form a stable government.
Labour vs Conservative:
It is important to note that this is a simplified comparison, and both Labour and Conservative have a wide range of policies within their platforms. Some key areas of difference between the two parties in the UK include:
- Economy: Labour generally favours more interventionist economic policies, such as higher taxes for the wealthy and increased investment in public services. Conservatives tend to favour lower taxes and less government intervention in the economy.
- Social issues: Labour is generally more progressive on social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage. Conservatives tend to be more traditional on these issues.
- Brexit: Labour has been more critical of the government’s handling of Brexit than the Conservatives.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to vote for a reform party, Labour, Conservative, or another party is a personal one. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and consider which party’s policies best align with your own values and priorities.
