And perhaps, to encourage smaller businesses, to make corporate tax lower for them?

It’s inevitable, predictable and necessary. We are in a deep hole. None of us can hope to escape the pain.

I think he will leave NI alone because that only effects the working. I am retired but still pay tax on my pensions and other income.

I would not be surprised to not just see the 1p reduction cancelled but the bands changed so that more get caught by the 40% and 45% levels. Expect a windfall tax on energy companies too. It was always just dogma and not wanting to be accused of copying Labour that stopped it. But it makes complete logic at this time. Those who profit need to pay higher tax.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Hunt's tenure in Health over saw an inefficient NHS become more inefficient and even worse value for money.

I am losing interest in UK politics, all clowns everywhere you look.

Responsibility Deficit Disorder is a medical condition. Symptoms include inability to be corrected when wrong, false sense of superiority, desire to share personal info no else cares about, general hubris. It's a medical issue rather than pure arrogance.

What does it matter what “trade” people are employed in?

What matters is how much. If we need to protect the lowest most then any extra we need to raise must come from the others. At the 40% level it might be just a token but the 45% may kick in significantly earlier to make the point that this is a very different approach.

This is all about sharing the “wealth” fairly.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

It was an example and many blue and white collar workers hit that figure. People who earn more spend more which in itself is a tax take. Where does it end.