Page 11 - Phonebox Magazine September 2012

Ticket-holders are being offered a full refund or will be able to use their tickets in 2013. Please give me a few days to sort out a returns procedure and do not send your tickets back yet as we need time to co- ordinate everything and notify the various agencies and outlets. (Anyone who has booked online over the last few days and whose order has not been processed, will receive an automatic refund over the next 5-10 days).
Dear Editor
financial sector, and government debt. National debt levels have substantially increased over the last 15 years to the extent that all our economies are in the trouble, until those debt levels return to sustainable levels. When they do, demand for products will again grow, economic activity as well and the recession in the West will end. Our various governments failed to control the situation because they liked the economic growth from money supply expansion and the increased taxation they were receiving and thus able to spend. Re the banks, government liked the revenues but didnʼt ask where was it coming from. They failed to keep a check and to regulate prudently. Gordon Brown thought he had cured economic fluctuations, he hadnʼt! However, he enjoyed spending the increased taxation from the financial sector while it lasted. The poorer in our society did benefit from this increased government spending. The voters put those governments in power, so they bear some of the responsibly for the policies pursued.
The aim is to postpone the festival until 2013 and we are inviting back the acts who were booked for 2012 and hope that they can make it next year.
I see my letter on UK taxation encouraged some further discussion! My letter was commenting purely on personal taxation of the wealthy, whilst Lesley has moved onto a new subject of Government subsidies to industry. Government support for business, if correctly targeted, is designed to grow the economy via the private sector, and thus providing jobs, more taxation both via corporate and personal. Government doesnʼt create wealth itself, but hopefully creates the climate for the private sector to do so for the benefit of all.
I really am very sorry that we can't meet up with you all at Old Warden Park. My team and I really did work incredibly hard to try and make the festival happen, but over the last couple of days it became clear that was impossible. I can only apologize if you took time off work or booked hotels and travel.
I agree with Lesley that the tax system should be for the benefit of all, I was merely pointing out the wealthy are big contributors, over 50% at the top income tax rate if you include National Insurance plus they donʼt use much of the big government services. I hasten to add I too am critical of tax evasion and large scale avoidance.
I will send another email in a week or so to give more details and to outline the refund process.
Regarding Davidʼs letter, he moves on to the abuses in our economy, again a different subject, but I agree with him that they need to be controlled. I donʼt agree with him that the economic problems we currently face are due entirely to the rich, bankers etc. The Western Democracies pursued a policy of money supply expansion via easy credit to private individuals, companies especially the
I agree the less advantaged in our communities need to be supported fairly, but I do wish to present a balanced view on money creation and taxation.
I know you'll be disappointed, but believe me, nowhere near as "gutted" as I am.
Cheers, Jim www.rhythmfestival.com ____________________________________
Regards Max Lickfold ____________________________________
readers letters
Phonebox Magazine 11