Paying for simplicity

Research reveals that many firms would be willing to pay to make tax simpler

With VAT going up and fuel duty sending prices through the roof, combined with punitive business taxes and suffocating red tape, it is no wonder that hard pressed UK firms are tearing their hair out over the tax laws in this country.

The Forum of Private Businesses (FPB) has released some research revealing that over half the firms it questioned (57 per cent) would actually pay to have our tax laws simplified, provided it actually brought them some real benefits.

Interestingly a further 50 per cent would pay more to simplify the system if it stopped their larger competitors getting away with not paying the tax they rightfully should.

Even more telling, 45 per cent of those questioned would be willing to pay even more tax if it meant that red tape was cut.

On a personal level I think it is really unfair that some people get away with paying hardly any tax, while the rest of us are forced to pay through the nose and scrape through each month with the remainder of our salaries. It should be a fair system where everybody pays their way regardless of size.

I wonder if the government will take any notice of these FPB findings? Or whether it will be received with a patronising proverbial pat on the head from some junior minister?

Hmmm - I seem to remember some analogy along the way between bears and woods and the Pope being Catholic.....