There has always been a political squeamishness around taxes – an inability to have a grown-up conversation about the relationship between tax and public sector spend – but it has amplified in recent years.
Regardless of political affiliations, taxes are an electoral red flag – only to be mentioned in the context of cuts, or to whip up a frenzy over the prospect of hikes. It is clear to see why: the voting public doesn't want to pay more. But people are not stupid.
