There is a ceiling which means the low paid pay a higher proportion than top earners. Inheritance tax is now almost non-existent. The Fabian tax commission is considering a good inheritance reform that would bring in billions. The valuable signature of a local planning officer lets them make millions without paying any tax at all. All these are stealthy ways the rich pay too little tax.
Taxation is fiscally virtuous because it allows spending without inflating the economy.
Taxation is a far better way to damp down over-heating than by constantly pushing up interest rates, which helps to keep the pound far too high for industry. Taxation is virtuous because when well spent it can buy everyone far more of the things conducive to contentment than they can ever buy from their own pocket. It is not necessarily a moral issue but one of enlightened self-interest. No doubt the chancellor will please many on Tuesday - he always does. But a paean of praise for tax would be a new defining moment for Labour, courtesy of Mr Hague.