Finland Home Of A Lifestyle
Finland has a population of 5.6 million and most enjoy a good lifestyle,where as The UK has close 70 million and many live a far poorer lifestlye.Why can the UK not get it right when it comes to public services and lifestyle?
I am fortunate in that I have had the pleasure of living in both countries.I lived in the UK for some 25 years and in Finland for 21 years.
Finland covers an area of 348,249 km sq,where as The UK covers 244,820.In Finland services work,albeit there is room for some improvement.The United Kingdom on the other hand,has sorry to say it.”Gone to the dogs”The train and bus services are either late,cancelled or on strike.The housing is not nearly as effecient as in Finland,with draughty rooms,damp walls and windows that serve no real purpose in keeping the home insulated and warm.This is what I refer to as poor lifestlyle
The tax rates in the UK stands as follows;
20% (the basic rate) on the next £36,000 (equivalent to about £692 per week, or £3,000 per month)
40% (the higher rate) on any income above this
Compared to Finland shows the following table of Income Taxes;
| Tax (%) | Tax Base (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1-13,100 |
| 7% | 13,101-21,700 |
| 18% | 21,701-35,300 |
| 22% | 35,301-64,500 |
| 30.5% | 64,501 And Over |
So,at first glance there is not really a lot of difference.How ever when one actually lives in either of the two countries,you are clearly faced with a difference in Lifestyles.
The UK,Democracy or a Retarded Lifestyle
I had the pleasure or not of visiting Exeter in The UK last year.The journey down to Exeter from Heathrow was pleasant enough.From that point onwards it was as if moving back in time to a bygone era.The public transport system failed to connect on time and the modes of transport,meaning the buses were outdated,cold and uncomfortable.Eventually I arrived in Seaton,South Devon to a flat which I had previously arranged.The flat it self was up to the normal British standards.An cool breeze wafting through the door frames,an unfitted carpet,freezing water in the bathroom and kitchen.The next day after a rough nights sleep,I was due to meet my solicitor.I must say it was a more than welcome sight to be shown in to her office.It was to be the warmest office and place on my entire stay in England.I think I actually mumbled on for hours,in the hope I could stay and squat there.The point being.”Do you have to earn a commensurate salary of a Solicitor to afford a decent place.?
I of course wished to do some shopping,to bring back all the things I longed for in Finland and was not able to purchase.Things like Marmite,pg tips tea,Bovril and many more such items.The first thing I noticed was the astronomical price increases.You no longer get much change ou of a tenner pound note.The same applies to eating out.I remember in 1988 when living in London,you were able to by a basic pub lunch for 5 pounds.Not today,you are looking at 20 ponds,and thats with out the beverages.
So the British may get more money in their pockets after direct taxes,but they lose it all in indirect taxes.I an not comment on the health care system in England as I had no reason to frequent such places.However from what friends are telling me back in The UK,the health system has gone markedly down hill to.Whilst walking around towns at night,you are ever aware of the crowds of youngsters longing around street corners.These kids are of the 12-16 years old range.Whilst they may not cause a problem by themselves,they become a threat when you are faced with 10 of them
.The police seem to have no control and the kids are free to harass innocent bystanders at will.’
Finland Lifestyle as a Model of Tranquility
Now, I have been living in Helsinki,Finland and Lappeenranta for 21 years and enjoying the live abroad lifestyle.Nearly all Finns will complain about the taxes they have to pay.Who likes paying taxes?.But if you really look at what you get in Finland as opposed to other countries,you will be grateful and happy to pay them.As mentioned earlier.Finland is a larger country,being the sixth largest EU member country in Europe.The public transport system works flaelessly.Buildings and homes are warm,even in sub-zero temperatures.the water in theses homes is all ways hot and there are no draughts.You even get a sauna thrown in just to improve every ones lifestyle
Change Your Lifestyle
I have found living in Finland to be extremely safe.Unlike The UK with roaming gangs looking to steal from unsuspecting passers by,Finland does not have this problem and I hope it never arises ion the youth here.The country as a whole is kept far cleaner than back home in the UK.I personally find the presence of police(poliisi) in Finland to be re-assuring and I am not a personal favourite of police forces,having had run ins with them over the 21 years.Having a Live your Life attitude does however have its ups and downs.
The food in Finland I consider to be of a standard far exceeding that of the UK.Health wise it is more balanced,with fish,fruit and vegetables being eaten more
The point of article is to state that I feel people in the UK should be more than willing to pay the extra 2-3% taxes in tax to really allow the British Government to tackle these social and public service problems.It is about time that Britain comes out of the Middle Ages and come up to date with the rest of Europe and Finland,simply put,start demanding a better lifestyle
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
There is some superb information here. If more people were aware of this, the world would be a much better place! I can obviously see that you have invested a lot of effort into this post. Please keep up the good work; the planet deserves it!
I have to agree with your comments about the public transport systems in th UK although I disagree with how you suggest many should be spent by increasing the taxes. If I had the opportunity and the power to rais the taxes, I would focus the money on the education system and implimenting measures to ensure all children and teenagers buckle up and finish school prepared for further education and emplyment. The problem with the UK is that there are too many young and single parents with very little education and prospects. This means that their children have less ballenced lifestyles and parental influence. If the parents cant set a good example to their children then who else can. Taxes should be used primaraly to tackle this problem from my point of view.
James from http://www.schoolgrantsresource.org
{ 1 trackback }