British public demand tougher action on the 'super rich' - Cable

9.19.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 17th Sep 2007

In his speech to Liberal Democrat Party Conference on Monday Vincent Cable MP, Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor unveiled an illuminating poll of public attitudes towards income and wealth inequalities, tax and non-domiciled investors. The poll by YouGov was commissioned by the Treasury Team (and covered a sample of 2250 between 6-10 September 2007).

Dr. Vincent Cable said:

"This striking survey shows supporters of each of the three main parties are angry and well aware of widening wealth and income inequality. They want inequality reduced and back tax policies to do that.

"It's clear that the Lib Dem's emphasis on fairer taxes - but not higher tax levels - with tax cuts for those on low and middle incomes, strikes a chord with the voters.

"There is also a real disgust at some of the tax dodging, including the abuse of non-domicile status and a large majority share our wish to see a crack down."

The specific findings included:

84% believe the earnings gap between rich and poor is 'too large' (44% that it is 'much too large'). The figure is 77% for Conservative voters and 92% of both Lib Dems and Labour voters and there is little variation between class or region.

A similar figure 81% share the same view about wealth inequality (assets including property).

64% believe the earnings gap has grown wider over the past ten years of Labour government; 72% for wealth inequalities.

64% believe that "the richest people in Britain should pay more tax" (25% are opposed) and there is a clear majority even of Conservative voters (55% against 39%).

84% believe the earnings of chief executives of FTSE 100 companies are too high; only 1% that they are too low.

On the issue of non-domiciles, only 8% believe that it would be a serious problem if they left the country after having to pay full British taxes; 39% thought it would be a shame but necessary; and 40% were "happy that they should leave".

A clear majority (53% against 16%) of all voters believe Gordon Brown has not tightened the rules to make "non-domiciles" pay more tax because Labour receive millions of pounds from them in donations.