The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), an independent and influential British think-tank, has argued that the Northern Ireland Executive should be given powers to alter their own tax levels.

The IPPR has recommended: “Under a revised model the devolved administrations might be given wider powers to vary the rate of personal income tax.” It further argued that control over stamp duty, environmental, alcohol and tobacco tariffs should also be considered.

The suggestions are included in a paper, Fair Shares: Barnett and the Politics of Public Expenditure, which addresses taxation policy throughout the UK as well as the controversial Barnett formula – a yardstick by which the treasury allocates public finances to the regions.

For access to the report see: http://www.ippr.org.uk/members/download.asp?f=%2Fecomm%2Ffiles%2Ffair%5Fshares%5Fbarnett%2Epdf