Government hijacking green agenda to increase taxes

Almost three quarters (68%) of consumers believe the green agenda has been hijacked by the government as a way of increasing taxation, according to figures from Unbiased.co.uk.

Men are even more doubtful about the government's ‘green' motives than women, as a whopping 7 out of 10 men (73%) believe taxes are being camouflaged as green to persuade people to pay them. A mere 8% of people disagree that the green agenda has been hijacked.

The government may be fighting a loosing battle, as over half of people (53%) stated they would not be prepared to pay more on taxes even if they were only to be spent on green issues.

However all is not lost - almost a fifth of people (18%) stated they would be prepared to pay more taxes to reduce the level of CO2 fumes from motor vehicles and a further 15% of people would pay more taxes to ensure better litter collection in their area. Over one in eight (13%) people would be prepared to pay more taxes to offset carbon footprints from aeroplane fuel.

Despite the unwillingness of the majority of people to pay higher taxes for green issues, fuel prices are the number one financial issue in the public eye, with 63% of adults discussing these. Further green issues fall lower down the list, with airport taxes only being discussed by 12% of adults and congestion charge by 11%.

David Elms, Chief Executive of Unbiased.co.uk comments, "The onset of the credit crunch has affected everyone and consumers are tightening their purse strings in every way possible. Tackling green issues is probably high on most consumers' wish lists, yet now more than ever they are not prepared to reach into their pockets to help contribute to the cause. The irony is that many people are needlessly wasting their money on paying existing taxes due to a lack of understanding and guidance.

"There are simple and easy ways through which people can reduce their tax wastage. Unbiased.co.uk's sixteenth TaxAction report shows we currently waste a massive £9.3 billion on taxes, the highest since the campaign began. By seeing an independent financial adviser you can get the best advice on how to avoid tax wastage and make the most out of your money. Plus, the money you save by becoming more tax efficient could allow you to be ‘greener'."