Why is England so expensive???

With the Budget comming up on Tuesday, any figures quoted will possibly be incorrect in 2 days time.  But, in the meantime, you might like to browse the former Chancellor/PM's 157 new or increased taxes Gordon Brown introduced during his term which raised untold £billions, yet clearly still wasn't enough which makes you wonder where it all went?

 http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/garbagegate/item2/stealth.htm

 And if you want to retire over here, I'd also check the situation with any possibility of double taxation---on money being taxed in the US that might also get taxed here too. UK pensions are taxable income, usually 20% as the standard rate of income tax, but this over-simplifies things.  HMRC 's website might also be of use too to see tax rates of things that might be applicable to your situation. I think professional advice in the US would be in order.

Here's a video from yesterday showing the No To Bike Parking Tax protest on the M25 at Dartford. Several of these responsible bikers also demonstrate lane discipline and giving way to vehicles already in a lane they want to use, for our overseas visitors who may not have driven in the UK before.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF5yXDXLOt4

England is a welfare state!  The money has to come from somewhere, therefore high taxation (lol) on those who actually work!! 

We do NOT have a welfare state and we are paying up to 40% on income tax (depending on the income earned of course)!!

The current income tax rates--after your tax free allowance as might be, are..... £0---£37,400 per year-- 20%

           £37,401 to £150,000--40%.   Over £150,000--50% 

Income tax in England is not that bad compare to the Netherlands

< 18,218euro (15.000 pound) 33.45%

18,218 < 32,738 euro 41.95%

32,738 < 54,367 euro 42%

> 54,367euro 52%

(and still rising)