why are many people in britain against the 50% tax rate?

Because it is a waste of money to change the rate and collect it.

The top rate is 45 p at present.

Basic economics tells us that high top tax rates discourage the creation of wealth, and the few rich just avoid paying income tax by fraud, avoidance schemes, opening limited companies etc.

High tax assumes that our politicians and state employees know how to spend our money better than we do. They don't.

The objection I have is because it has been shown that when you raise taxes, the money raised tends to reduce.

In Scandanavia there are high taxes, but those taxes tend to provide for the whole population - including those paying the taxes. Whereas the UK has this crazy idea of only spending taxes on the underclass - and leaving many, hard working people much worse off than many of those on benefits. I am not knocking those on benefits - so many people are losing their jobs and not getting enough (if any help) from the government.

I would far rather the government concentrate on sorting out the bankers and overpaid charity bosses and council bosses, and on boosting the economy. Don't pick on those who have worked hard to earn a high salary. But do crack down on those who don't deserve it. Another crazy argument we hear is that some of these high earners will emigrate if their salaries are capped. They say "pay peanuts and get monkeys" - but in Britain all too often we pay gold and get monkeys! But over taxing these people is not the answer.

I'm not sure what I think of it but people are annoyed as the UK does not have a 'we all pay the same' tax rate as it is. It is a percentage and those earning more who 9 times out of 10 have worked for it already pay more through the percentage of a bigger wage.

I can't imagine what the problem could possibly be. Our priority should be making all incomes below £20,000 per year tax free

I am FOR, as if EARN that much 50% is NOT too much in a society which cares.....