MPs may debate 'granny tax'

In last year's Budget, the government announced that the amount of income that is not taxed will be frozen for those aged over 65 while, from April 2013, those hitting 65 will no longer receive a larger personal allowance than people of working age. But many pensioner groups have criticised the plans, saying they will hit pensioners with modest amounts of savings the most. An e-petition opposing the plan has attracted almost 92,000 signatures. Should 100,000 people sign the appeal, the issue will be considered for debate by the Backbench Business Committee. The petition states: "We...