They were tasked with collating data, “…with the aim of creating an agreed and readily accessible body of information for policy makers and legislators; the media; and the general public.”
According to the Treasury Minister, Senator Alan Maclean: “The purpose of the review was not to evaluate tax policy and recommend change – that will come in a second state of review activity, rather this review was intended to provide a body of date and information that tells us where the tax-policy changes implemented by the States Assembly over the period 2006 to 2015 have taken us.”
What the information seems to show is that those on lower incomes are generally paying less income tax now than they were in 2006, whilst those on higher incomes are paying more. This is put down to changes in allowances and the marginal rate.
Senator Maclean said the review will help the Council of Ministers consider future tax-policy proposals – although he admits there’ll be no overnight changes.