LIKE most people born before the inception of the Welfare State, I have no objection to paying more tax to make things better, as long as the money is not wasted on bureaucracy, or to profit private companies.
The current government made much play of providing more funding for our schools and hospitals, yet St Paul's Primary School in Ramsbottom is now threatened with closure. Whatever reasons are given, you can bet that a municipal balance sheet is involved, although there are many who do not pay their fair share of taxes.
When in opposition, Mr Blair shouted loudly for these loopholes to be closed yet now, in government, nothing is done. Indeed, during the run-up to the 1997 election, his own private office was said to be funded by multi-millionaire Geoffrey Robinson MP who is alleged to enjoy a substantial tax-free income.
Why on earth do parts of the United Kingdom, such as the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, enjoy concessions on tax or VAT denied to the rest of us?
If schools and hospitals need money, these are the areas the chancellor should be examining , before burdening the rest of us with a poor health service and the threat of school closures.
MRS JEAN ALLISON,
Ramsbottom.
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