'What should I ask George Osborne? Question suggestions wanted.' blog discussion

A question about : 'What should I ask George Osborne? Question suggestions wanted.' blog discussion

This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.

Read Martin's What should I ask George Osborne? Question suggestions wanted. Blog.

Please click reply to discuss below.
UPDATE NOTE:

You can now read the full George Osborne Interview Transcript

Best answers:

• Since they still appear to be planning a 'reform' of inheritance tax, how about the return of the 10% tax rate?
  The Tories were clearly outraged at the time it was abolished, but will they actually take positive action and thus prove that they care about those at the 'other end' of the scale?
• You should ask him if he would increase the rate of VAT or add VAT to products currently exempt.
• As I'm from debate house prices board really (well...and health beauty and fashion, but...well, I don't think he claims expertise in those areas) I'd like to know what he considers a healthy property market, for current homeowners, first time buyers and the economy as a whole.
  I'd also like to know what equality he might strike between taxation etc of paye earners and self employed and his views on a cashless economy
• How would Mr Osborne change the regulation of the banks?
  Who are the ten largest donators to the Tory party in the last year?
• Does Mr Osborne still plan to bring back the link of state pensions to earnings in the next parliament, he said he would in the last Tory Party Conference.
  How does he plan to fund this and how does it fit in with the age of austerity promised by him last autumn?
• As well as bringing back the 10% tax band, I'd like to see some reforms to benefits.
  I fail to understand why under 25s get so much less JSA or equivalent than those over 25, and also why under 25s are forced into shared accommodation. I know benefits are a sore subject for a lot of people on these forums but as someone who has fallen on hard times having been made redundant out of the blue, after paying into the system, I am asking why I am, as a 24 year old, receiving Ј15 less per week than I will be "entitled" to in less than 6 months time, when I turn 25. And why I will then be deemed fit to have my own home rather than being forced into a flatshare in an unsafe property with damp in a nasty area, as happens to so many people. I'd also like to see more practical help being given to jobseekers as the jobcentre has been useless to me.
• Some sense of the balance between spending cuts and tax increases to be used to move public spending and income back in to balance?
  Any comments on whether the tax and NI system could be radically simplified and made fairer with sharply increased allowances paid for by restricting universal benefits to those who need them (subject to the efficiency cost of dong this)
• Ask him if he has the slightest idea of what percentage of their weekly SRP a pensioner has to spend on keeping their house heated to the recommended temperature and themselves alive.
  Actually he won't have a clue, so be prepared to tell him.
  ps don't be fobbed off with the WFA emotional red herring.
• I'm a life long Tory as is my father, yet because of Osborne we are both going to vote Labour.
  WHY DID HE ALONE AMONGST INTERNATIONAL STATE DIGNATORYS TAKE THE VIEW Q/E WAS NOT NEEDED JUST PRIOR TO THE UK Q/E PROGRAMME BEGINNING?
• Martin,
  Stick to the big picture:
  1. How are they going to make sure the markets have confidence in them?
  2. Their priorities on tackling the deficit when they get to see the actual figures after the election?
  3. How are they going to simplify the tax system for individuals and small businesses?
  That's probably all you will have time for if you get comprehensive answers.
• Will the Conservatives consider introducing a tiered stamp duty threshold?
• If you are going to ask about credit cards, maybe ask him if universal default is fair... that is, whether it is fair for a credit card to increase your rate because you forgot a single payment on another companies credit card.
• Ask him if he will employ Vince Cable if he gets The Job.
  (He will need all the help he can get).
• 10% Tax
  Outrageous bank charges and interest rates
  clamping on private land
• Do they have any policies at all.................
• 10% Tax
  Abolish TV Licence
  Why are credit card companies allowed to charge such high rates when the base rate is at an all time low
  Energy costs
  Public Transport prices are too high it does not encourage people to use them
  Will all Peers who sit in the House of Lords be made to pay Tax, if they don't live and pay Tax in this country why are they allowed to sit in Parliament.
  Why are banks still making profits and haven't paid a penny back to taxpayers, but still paid out bonuses - where's my divi?
  Can we have an investigation into Council councillors expenses.
  Why is council tax so high when wages are not keeping up - most people can't afford to pay
  Why are immigrants allowed to claim benefits and get free health care and education when they have never paid anything into the system through NI ?
  They would never cover the fiull cost if they find a job retrospectively.
  Why are firms being allowed to get away with moving jobs abroad?
  When can we have a referendum on Europe? people were duped in the 70's thinking that it was just to be as a Trading partnership now it is a dictatorship
  Can we get rid of the Clause that allows free for all immigration - Racism is now getting worse because the indiginous population are being ignored and are resentful.
  If you put vat on food how will you help the poor, and elderly to cope with higher prices in the shops when most have the decision do I eat or do I heat my home?
  Will you get rid of the Quangos?
  Will you abolish some of the big brother laws that labour have made