Tax Reform and Democratic Reform in Hong Kong: What Do the People Think?

British Tax Review, Vol. 6, pp. 667, 2008

28 Pages Posted: 22 Oct 2012

See all articles by Richard Cullen

Richard Cullen

The University of Hong Kong - Faculty of Law

Richard S. Simmons

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: October 22, 2012

Abstract

Tax reform and political reform are currently matters of deep and widespread concern in Hong Kong. This paper presents a preliminary study of the opinions of Hong Kong citizens on a range of taxation practice and policy issues coupled with a simultaneous review of opinions on certain political reform issues. Its aim is to inform the debate over the two sets of reforms, and to investigate potential linkages between them.

A face-to-face survey of almost 800 permanent residents of Hong Kong was undertaken in May 2007. The demographic distribution of the sample was broadly similar to that of the population as a whole.

From an analysis of the survey data, significant views on a range of matters are apparent. The study suggests that Hong Kong citizens remain notably apprehensive about the introduction of new taxes. However, they are also concerned about the deteriorating environment, and thus may be receptive to the Hong Kong government implementing certain new 'green taxes'.

Further, it appears that the demand for greater democratization in Hong Kong is high. Some linkages between tax reform and political reform are apparent, but the two reform areas are seen, overall, as giving rise primarily to stand alone issues. It also seems clear that, despite exhibiting large (and increasing) wealth disparities, Hong Kong does not present fertile ground for creating a democracy-driven, western-style, advanced welfare state.

Suggested Citation

Cullen, Richard and Simmons, Richard S., Tax Reform and Democratic Reform in Hong Kong: What Do the People Think? (October 22, 2012). British Tax Review, Vol. 6, pp. 667, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2165160

Richard Cullen (Contact Author)

The University of Hong Kong - Faculty of Law ( email )

Pokfulam Road
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
China

Richard S. Simmons

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

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