Letter: A tax too far
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I DO NOT understand the Government's preoccupation with indirect taxation, and its stubborn refusal to raise direct taxes (except sneakily by not indexing allowances).
Taxation must be seen to be fair. You cannot expect pensioners and low-income families to be impressed when they are asked to pay VAT on fuel when they reap little, if any, benefit from tax reductions.
Has it not occurred to the Government that not only do OAPs pay a disproportionate amount of tax on their income but they also need to use some form of heating throughout the day in the winter.
One of the advantages of direct taxation is that the rates can be reduced when and if times get better. But when did we ever see a reduction in the VAT rate? It also has the merit of clawing back, at the highest rates of taxation, universal social benefits such as child allowance and pensions.
And why should companies be taxed as low as 33 per cent when the country is in such a desperate need?
R G White
Guildford, Surrey
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments