"I always thought that politicians (generally low rent types and self serving in my jaundiced opinion) and tax policies should be separated. Expert politically independent economists should decide on the best way to gather tax, not politicians looking to win votes. I've never understood why non-expert-in-anythi
ng-politicians are considered the best people to decide on what our tax rates should be and who pays or benefits. ('Rule Britannia' fades up) I am lucky enough to pay the top rate tax and am more than happy to do so as our NHS, education system and public services are what makes me proud of this country and what makes this country, mainly Cornwall, a great place to live. (There's more to life than money, golf and sunny weather). And yes, I have known what it is to be poor and eligible to claim benefits, it's not desirable even if you're a shirker, so I would never blame someone for doing so if they really needed to. (Fade out 'Rule Britannia') Don't let politicians near our money!"