food prices to rise

[Citizen's Nephew]

I never said I had solutions, my point was that the claim is that foodbanks are bad but welfare is good seems to be at odds with each other. Neither should be required in our society yet here we are. If you're claiming a handout what does it matter if its called welfare or foodbank? Its still a handout.

The likes of Bezos and Branson aren't indicative of business owners and whilst they own large amounts of wealth, this is not piles of cash but future earnings. I'm not advocating that the accumulation of such wealth is good for society, just pointing out that this wealth is not liquid.

what is the answer - well governments are starting to co-ordinate the issue of low tax jurisdictions in a global economy, which is long overdue. This should help combat profit shifting/BEPS.

we could also move towards an fully indirect taxation system - a system which targets those who spend on luxuries whilst ensures those who only spend on the basics aren't taxed at all. Indirect taxes are very difficult for the individual to avoid, and thus the wealthiest in society end up paying more tax at the point of consumption, rather than using various legal structures to avoid paying tax altogether.

Thanks for your reply. I like the suggestions in your last paragraph. There's a lot of merit in what you suggest IMO.

Branson & Bezos are jarring (I kind of think Branson edges it because of him wanting a £500M government bailout for Virgin Atlantic though).

My problem is in your first paragraph though and relates back to the topic of this thread re. food prices. I can agree with what you mean in principle because I think you're saying the right things. It's just the language. Welfare and handouts, particularly handouts. If we could just call them help and support I'd feel more comfortable because it's hard enough for people to ask for help but handouts just feels degrading.

I'm happy to leave it with and agree with you that 'Neither should be required in our society yet here we are'.