Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LEEDS ‘TAX RAID’ »
Another 49 positive tests are reported Cases: Deaths: Cases: Deaths: Sunak taking aim at contributions
ANOTHER 49 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, the Department of Health said.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the total at 560.
A total of 3,400 people have been tested for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, with 49 testing positive.
The total number of people diagnosed with the virus now stands at 7,187.
Figures from the Department of Health show that 17 patients with Covid-19 are in hospital, with two remaining in intensive care.
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland six months ago, a total of 225,460 people have been tested for the virus.
Figures show that there are currently 15 active outbreak in care homes.
Meanwhile, pictures show a train headed from Dublin to Belfast heaving with people in the aisles and some drinking with no social distancing.
Keeping a 2m distance appeared to be all but impossible as the oversold Translink train left Connolly Station at 11.20am on Friday.
One passenger said there were 16 people all either sitting on the ground or standing near the doors as it headed north.
That number is reported to have swelled further after a stop in Dundalk on the way saw people have to take to the aisles between the already-full seats. Translink has been contacted for a comment.
RISHI Sunak is reportedly eyeing up tax hikes on pension contributions and axing the “triple lock” to plug the gaping hole in public finances caused by coronavirus.
Pension tax relief, which sees some of the money workers would normally pay in income tax added to their retirement pot, may be slashed.
Basic-rate taxpayers currently get 20% tax relief on contributions and higher rate taxpayers get 40%.
The proposals would cut in half the 40% rate enjoyed by around four million higher earners.
Mr Sunak has also hinted that he wants to end the triple lock, which guarantees a minimum 2.5% annual rise in state pensions.
With the national debt now more than £2trillion it is believed the
Chancellor may also increase the amount of capital gains tax investors pay on the profit made when selling assets.
And corporation taxes – levied on the profits businesses make – could leap from 19% to 24%, with yet more cash being clawed back by cutting foreign aid, an inheritance tax revamp and a new online sales levy.
Steve Barclay, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, refused to be drawn will not do. There is always four on what Mr Sunak is planning for his moving parts to this. The objective November Budget. within the Treasury is to
He said there will get growth. There is always have to be a then a balance “trade-off ” between between debt, spenddecisions on spending ing and tax.” and tax measures. Former Cabinet
But he insisted: “Treasminister Damian Green, ury ministers don’t get who was Theresa May’s into what a Budget will or de facto deputy PM,
MORE than a thousand people have been tested for Covid-19 after an outbreak linked to bingo night at a working men’s club.
There have been 16 cases linked to the club in Silverdale, Staffs, following
the event on August 16. They are being told to self-isolate and their contacts are being traced by Staffordshire county council.
The council is also urging people to be tested if they visited 13 other pubs