“Number Cruncher” really needs to do his, or her, sums better before arguing that a local income tax is unfair because it “might” include people who live on unearned income.
“Number Cruncher” really needs to do his, or her, sums better before arguing that a local income tax is unfair because it “might” include people who live on unearned income.
Maybe Number Cruncher is fortunate enough to have substantial investments and doesn’t need to work or receive state benefits, but in Dundee, the vast majority do not have that kind of luxurious lifestyle.
Local Income Tax is fair because all taxpayers will pay the same percentage of their income for local services, whereas currently, a single pensioner could be paying far more of their income than the working couple next door.
A single person working in Dundee’s call centres on the average £14,000, pays 10% more of their take home pay to Dundee Council than a couple with a joint income of £40,000.
Under local income tax all would pay the same, fair, percentage of their income.
Number Cruncher, together with the Labour and Tory parties in Scotland, might think the hated Council Tax is a good and fair way to tax people — but I suspect the majority of voters will disagree at the next election. — Kevin Donnelly.
No laughing matter
While the Tory and Labour leaders in Scotland are desperate to make a name for themselves as the comedy double act "Goldie and Gray", I doubt many Labour supporters are laughing when Iain Gray insists they continue to pay sky-high Council Tax bills.
Labour in Scotland really does have to explain why it is fair for someone in Dundee, earning the average £17,000, to pay twice the proportion of their income as someone on £34,000.
Surely a tax system which ensures everyone pays the same percentage of their income is right and proper and fair, or has New Labour ditched those ideals along with the rest? — Unamused.
LIT would be a disaster
Scotland’s business leaders, including those sympathetic to the SNP, have advised finance secretary John Swinney to drop his party’s local income tax.
Going ahead with the LIT would be a disaster for Scotland as it would leave Scots as the highest taxed in Britain.
The question is not whether the LIT should be shelved, but whether the SNP Executive dares to challenge the expert advice from Scotland’s business community. — Curious Onlooker.
Smokie still hot
Recently my wife and I were at the Whitehall Theatre, Dundee, being entertained by the band Smokie.
Recently my wife and I were at the Whitehall Theatre, Dundee, being entertained by the band Smokie.
The theatre was full and, let me tell you, I was not surprised. They have been one of the top bands for over 30 years.
When we get a band of their calibre here, usually they play to a full house and we have always supported them.
It shows by the crowd they are still hot and popular. Keep them coming. — Jimmy Borland.
We’re being punished, not Jonathan
Surely an interim presenter could have been appointed to cover for Jonathan Ross’ suspension to provide licence-payers with Film 2008.
Originally movie-buffs’ updates appeared on our small screens in the 60s, in the hands of host Michael Parkinson in Cinema (on ITV).
Then the famous Barry Norman took the helm for BBC TV’s vast run of movie clips, news, etc. making it classic viewing.
It is currently we who are being punished, not Jonathan.
Therefore, in reciprocation for what I’m paying BBC, I suggest instantaneous remedy by installing guest hosts for each week up until the point when Mr Ross CBE makes his tail-between-his-legs comeback. — J. I. Matthew.
We need to be on our guard
With the ongoing events of attacks at train stations in Mumbai, don’t you think we should all be on our guard?
With the ongoing events of attacks at train stations in Mumbai, don’t you think we should all be on our guard?
I was at Dundee bus station recently at about 11.30 am and a green bag was left on a seat. No-one was near it or interested.
Minutes later there was a loud bang and people moved to look and speculate. There was a glass bottle poking out the bag and some sort of liquid poured out and glass was strewn all over the seat and floor.
After people knew what had happened, including bus drivers, they all simply carried on with some strolling through the glass.
I didn’t expect people to panic but I did expect the bus drivers to at least make some attempt to clear it up.
If anyone was near this bag when the bottle exploded there may have been injuries. However, no one was hurt. So do we now wait on a terrorist attack before we do something? — Daryl.
Congratulations
I write to congratulate Andy McIntosh on his endeavours to promote the World Ceilidh and Indoor Festival, West Park Auditorium, Dundee.
The bands chosen played superbly.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, as did others present on Saturday and Sunday.
It’s just a shame Andy was badly let down by the ticket sales as so many more Dundee people and those of the surrounding area missed out on some great entertainment and dancing.
The promotion was to help raise funds for Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia. Sadly, they too, have missed out to some extent. — Mrs McGowan.
THE ADDRESS for readers’ letters is - Readers’ Page, Evening Telegraph, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. They can also be placed in our post box at our offices in Albert Square, Dundee, emailed to us on letters@eveningtelegraph.co.uk or faxed on 01382 454590. We ask correspondents using a nom-de-plume or sending by e-mail to provide a name and address for reference purposes. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit any letter. Please keep letters as short as possible.*
