George Osborne and the government are apparently in ‘listening mode’ about tax credits and Bernard Jenkin has something to say. The Tory chair of the Public Administration select committee has a novel proposition for how to fund a way to soften the blow of the cuts. In my piece for Politico Europe today, Jenkin tells me:
‘I think Osborne should carry on with the cuts but ameliorate the introduction for those worst affected. It would show he is listening and compassionate If he needs the extra revenue and cannot find other short-term savings, he should be considering the Sugar Tax.’
The idea of a tax on sugary foods and drinks has been advocated by the celebrity chef Jamie Oliver but No.10 have already dismissed it. But it is popular public with the public: 53 per cent back the Sugar Tax according to a ComRes poll.
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