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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to question people claiming they would happily pay more tax?

184 replies

Towerinthegarden · 05/09/2026 14:03

Yet another thread about should there be tax rises or spending cuts, and invariably you get a host of people coming out saying they are happy to pay more. Well you can https://www.gov.uk/guidance/voluntary-payments-donations-to-government

I’m pretty sure what they actually mean is I am happy to pay a tiny amount more on the understanding others will pay a lot more and then I’ll see the benefit. If that assumption is wrong why aren’t all these people saying they’re happy to pay more doing it?

Voluntary payments / donations to government

Find out how to make a voluntary contribution to government.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/voluntary-payments-donations-to-government

OP posts:
PhoebeBuffays · Today 11:39

We worked our way up from nothing. You can make it if you're able bodied. You just need to work hard

AyeupDuck · Today 11:46

I wouldn’t want to pay more tax thanks.

We have spent years being net contributors already.

concertinacornflake · Today 11:57

Towerinthegarden · Today 07:14

They aren’t the people I am referring to though, in fact I specifically say I not referring to people who say they think we should all pay more tax or they think the super wealthy should pay more.
When people talk about would you like services cut I don’t think I have ever seen someone propose a new tax structure as you suggest

That's what people mean when they say 'I'd prefer to pay more tax' - they mean they want the core tax rate(s) increased. IMO your OP is disingenuous.

If they meant 'I want to pay an individual voluntary contribution' that's what they'd say.

You've chosen to interpret them as meaning something different, rather than explaining why you think tax should stay the same or be cut.

GasPanic · Today 12:00

I'd happily pay more if everyone else was going to pay more.

But if I rocked up with a £500 cheque it's going to make so little difference to the treasury that it's next to pointless. All is does is take money off me and provide practically zero improvement in services.

Yes if I was taxed more then there would be people out their who would pay even more than me if the tax was progressive. But the idea that people who have more can pay more is pretty much rooted in our system and cannot really be changed easily. In fact I am not sure it could be changed at all.

There is plenty of wealth in this country that could be taxed without majorly affecting peoples living standards. People still seem to have loads of cash to spend on holidays, cars, home improvements and various other tat if you read the threads on here.

There aren't many parties you can vote for who have a stated intention to tax more to improve services. Labour bottled it at the last election when they had no need to at all. Hence a significant amount of Starmers policies failing.

If there are people out there who believe they should be paying the minimum tax possible fair enough. Maybe somewhere between them and me there is a balance point.

MumofCandR · Today 12:01

EasternStandard · Yesterday 12:09

The tax burden is highest since the war under Labour.

On Scandinavian levels lower to mid earners here pay lower tax. Is that what you’re thinking of changing?

Factually that's incorrect information. I gather though that this statement (without factual basis) has been circulating online , be very careful of fake news.

Differentforgirls · Today 12:16

shortsaint · 05/09/2026 19:27

very happy to pay more but fairly.

When there are active tax avoiders why should I pay extra and they practice avoidance (I’m PAYE so can’t avoid it anyway)?

I do think remove the triple lock and count pension in inheritance. NO WAY can my mum spend all her pension allowance.

Does she get more than the State Pension?

Differentforgirls · Today 12:21

Pumpkindice · Yesterday 09:50

Why would I pay more without a policy that sets out where it would be going?
I'd happily pay a good chunk more if there was a commitment to making adult social care free, for example - I think the idea that people have to use savings to pay someone to come provide personal care in their home abhorrent.

I wouldn't pay more to the general pot on the off chance that might happen, knowing that it could just be used on defence spending and buying weapons.

Free in Scotland.

MidnightPatrol · Today 12:26

Not being able to claim childcare hours has basically radicalised me into not wanting to pay any more tax.

I’ve always been pretty lefty and happy to find services, pay my tax. The greater good and all that.

When it became apparent I was expected to pay tax and actually he excluded from the services I was funding when I needed them - well, not really in it together any more are we.

PhoebeBuffays · Today 12:41

When DH and I move to a 0% tax location we'll be able to enjoy our hard work

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