C2 Proficiency (CPE): Writing Test Two

Fair Payment for Public Services

Implementing income-based pricing for essential services represents a crucial step toward social equity. High-income individuals currently benefit from artificially low prices maintained through government subsidies, effectively receiving public support they don't need. A graduated payment system would better reflect users' ability to pay while generating additional revenue for service improvements. Studies show that wealthy households consume disproportionately more energy and make greater use of public transport in central urban areas, yet pay the same rates as those struggling financially. This system could revolutionise public service funding; for example, London's transport network could generate an estimated $500 million annually by charging higher fares to top earners. The additional revenue could fund service expansions into underserved areas and maintain affordable access for lower-income users. Similar systems have proved successful in several Scandinavian countries, where means-tested pricing has improved both service quality and accessibility.

Universal Access Under Threat

The proposal to charge wealthy individuals more for basic services fundamentally undermines the principle of universal public access. Such a system would effectively introduce a two-tier society where the wealthy might eventually demand premium services in return for their higher payments, potentially leading to degraded standard services for everyone else. The administrative complexity of means-testing would create enormous bureaucratic costs, while privacy concerns arise from the necessary income verification processes. There's also a risk that high earners might seek alternative arrangements, potentially reducing overall revenue and threatening service sustainability. The current flat-rate system ensures everyone has a stake in maintaining service quality and reflects the fundamental equality of citizenship. Moreover, wealthy individuals already contribute more through progressive taxation; additional surcharges amount to double taxation and could drive away the very people whose tax contributions help maintain these services.