We're now worse off, Mr Brown

Having recently had sight of the income tax banding for the new tax year, I suggest that readers carry out a few calculations of their own as I have done.

Here is an an example of how Gordon Brown is proposing to help low paid and part time workers.

Currently, a person under 65, with a tax free allowance of £5,225.00 and gross annual earnings of £10,000, will pay income tax of £792.50 With gross annual earnings of £30,000, they will pay income tax of £5,192.50

Under the new banding a person under 65, with a tax free allowance of £5,435 and gross annual earnings of £10,000, will pay income tax of £913.00. With gross annual earnings of £30,000, they will pay income tax of £4,913.00.

This taken into account, the lower earner will have an increased tax liability and the higher earner will have a lower tax liability.

Well done, Gordon Brown, take money from the less well-off and give it to the better-off.

Clive Brogan, Wrockwardine Wood