Q&A · 1:04:16-1:07:55

Funding a larger defence program through growth, taxation, and investment

A proposed defence-funding approach combines a higher income-tax threshold, possible war bonds, and investment intended to lower household costs and expand the economy.

Question

What changes to spending, taxation, or government organization could fund the proposed level of defence?

Short answer

The proposal combines administrative efficiency with economic-growth measures, especially a higher income-tax threshold, investment that reduces household costs, and possible war bonds.

Notes

Administrative reorganisation could help fund defence, but the proposal also seeks economic growth that would support a larger tax base. Raising the income-tax threshold is preferred to concentrating reductions on the top rate, on the argument that more households would have money left to spend. The discussion invokes the Laffer curve while acknowledging that claims made for it can be overstated. War bonds are another possibility, alongside investment such as high-speed rail. Cheaper household solar panels and batteries are proposed to reduce pressure on the grid and lower energy bills. The stated aim is to reduce unavoidable household costs so that more income can circulate through the wider economy.