FULL marks are due to MPs for coming clean on their remunerations. They have also just given up their free airport parking perk which is worth £1.2 million a year to the Treasury.
Unfortunately whilst most people can relate to their salaries, it is the tax-free expenses, perks and pensions that will cause most concern.
I would therefore suggest that all their remunerations are made taxable.
If this is accepted, then MPs can set a wonderful example. Since the package is well in excess of £200,000 a year, their contributions would be as follows: 40% of say £150k equals £60K; 10% for regional and local income tax on two homes (if the LibDems have their way) equals £20k; 10% extra on say £100k ("a small contribution" over £100k if the Lib Dems have their way) equals £10k.
This simple expedient therefore delivers £90k per year to No 11 Downing Street for each MP and multiplied by all the MPs, generates over £60 million a year for Mr Brown. It amazes me that Mr Brown's creative taxation team has not thought of it before.
James Currie, county councillor, Feock and Kea
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