Labour 10% 'death tax' plans condemned

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Proposals for a 10% ‘death tax' on moderate-to-high earners to tackle the problem of an ageing population have been branded "totally unfair".

Health Secretary Andy Burnham yesterday said he wanted to see those with bigger houses pay more toward social care for the elderly. Early estimates suggest up to 17 million families would be forced to pay the tax. "It is totally unfair to punish people for doing the right thing and saving up all their lives, when they are taxed on earning and saving the money in the first place." Mark Wallace, of the Taxpayers' Alliance, told reporters. A 10% tax raid was one of three proposals Burnham announced as a way for raising money to provide for the old. The tax would leave the relatives...

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