Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4 Too Long; Didn't Read: Ep 2. It's a taxing subject
Aug 8, 2025
Join Ayesha Hazarika, a savvy political commentator, and Sunil Patel, a witty comedian, as they dive into the wealth tax debate in the UK. They tackle whether a wealth tax is a 'no-brainer' or a 'non-starter,' while also exposing the absurdity of billionaires' extravagant lifestyles. Expect sharp humor as they discuss societal narratives, tax loopholes, and the role of philanthropy in wealth redistribution, peppering their insights with relatable banter. It's a clever mix of comedy and serious topics that makes finance fun!
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Wealth Tax Defined Simply
- Ayesha Hazarika defines a wealth tax as an annual levy on total assets like property, investments, art and cars.
- She warns it would sit on top of capital gains, dividend and inheritance taxes.
Rich Can Avoid New Taxes
- Ayesha Hazarika warns very wealthy people are very good at hiding assets to avoid taxes.
- She also flags the 'flight risk' scare and past warnings used to block progressive policies.
Norway's Minimal Millionaire Exodus
- Ayesha Hazarika cites Norway's wealth tax, which reportedly lost only 0.01% of millionaires.
- She implies migration fears often overstate actual departures relative to revenue gains.