§ Lord Barnettasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many pence off the basic rate of income tax would be required for a basic taxpayer to recoup the tax increases over the last three years, including VAT, benefits in kind, mortgage relief, the change in treatment of tax on dividends, and any other tax increases not listed above.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Henley)The reduction in the basic rate of tax required will depend on the circumstances of the individual taxpayer—for example, his or her income, marital status, size of mortgage and spending pattern.