Constant Quote by John James Cowperthwaite
“I hold that two principles are important; first that there should be a steady expansion of public services, not an irregular one related to revenue accruing in any particular year; the second that taxes should be constant over long periods (provided, that is, that they are neither burdensome nor inequitable).”
About This Quote
Source Policy: Hong Kong Fiscal Policy Speech, 1960s
Advocates stable, expanding public services funded by predictable, fair taxes rather than fluctuating revenue streams.
In simple terms: Steady services, steady taxes.
Key Takeaway
Ensure long‑term fiscal stability.
Themes
public finance
tax policy
government services
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- budget planning
- public sector budgeting
- tax reform
- social welfare programs
Key Concepts
fiscal predictability
equity
service expansion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can governments balance service growth with tax fairness?
- What mechanisms protect tax stability?
A Different Perspective
Political realities may force revenue‑linked spending adjustments.
