I hear what you are saying, but I am stating that private "whatever" is not the solution to the problem, it is a short term answer for those that have the ability to afford it.
Those lucky enough to have vehicles and nearby cities, can often get good quality treatment at their local dental hospital, my sister swore by them in Leeds and Manchester for decades.
There are about twenty around the country, all accessible for free or at nhs rates with a doctors letter...(I think, that is how it used to work).
And there is no need for pliers, in extremes, there is access to emergency treatment for extreme pain and swelling in most hospitals in the UK.
Oh I agree, but I'm just saying at the moment in certain circumstances, it's a necessary, and until that changes I don't see things improving. I guess its like saying lets put another 50p on a litre of fuel to use busses instead - oh but there aren't any busses to use as yet. As for dental hospitals, I agree, when I lived in Cardiff there was a good one there, but here in Exeter, there isn't one around here. I have asked. As for pliers - not sure about that. A few months ago our little one was pulling a baby tooth which had come loose. It twisted and lodged in the socket causing him extreme pain. We tried 26 dental practices in the area and none would see him that day - and that's private practices, not NHS!
@jon81uk understand your points but just to address them:
- Private dentist, underfunding, yes agree, my argument though is that the funding could be raised by other means than putting VAT on schools.
- Alcohol duty, sorry, I was referring to VAT. Maybe we should have a higher VAT on alcoholic drinks, like they do in the USA. After all, an alcoholic drink is a luxury. We could argue that other items such chocolates / crisps should have higher VAT.
- Cars with list prices over £40k - yes I am aware of this but taking into account most electric cars, including the new Toyota is over £40k so would attract the same costs as someone buying a £140k Ferrari. Road tax after this period is also the same as someone driving a tiny little low emission car. The very rich in very expensive cars ultimately pay the same road tax after year 5 and pay the same VAT on their purchase.
- VAT on luxury products, yes I know a watch costing £60k will attract more VAT but I am arguing that if you can afford a £60k watch, you could afford a 25% VAT rate (or maybe 30%). Same would apply to those buying a £2k pair of shoes - if you can afford to spend that sort of money on non-essentials then you can obviously afford a bit more in VAT.
Perhaps a variable VAT scale might work depending on the product being purchased.
@IanB I think there was talk last week that people in polls had suggested they would be willing to pay a bit more tax if they got decent services, however, its difficult to do this without hitting those who are now struggling to get by as it is. Food, utilities etc aren't coming down in price, and increasing income tax will hit these people more. By applying the tax to "real" luxury products being purchased would only affect the very wealthy.
Anyway, this discussion could go on and on, let's move on.
In other news - whoever is advising Sunak is obviously out to sabotage any chances they have of winning the next election - who thought it would be a good idea to leave the D Day Memorial Day early yesterday is obviously out to get him. I think this has turned people who may have voted him now against him. Wouldn't surprise me if in the next few days we see Reform overtaking the Tories.