Plundering pensions

IF Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is determined to alienate Middle England’s aspirational voters, he’ll do so by plundering their private pension pots in the autumn statement.

Yes, we know he’s desperately trying to fix the nation’s finances. But a £10billion raid on the retirement nest eggs of millions of workers risks backfiring badly.

slashing tax relief on contributions not only discourages saving, it’s a false economy. Those who make contingency plans for their old age are removing a huge potential burden from the state.

True, this may be classic pre-Budget kiteflying to gauge public reaction. But if not, we strongly urge Mr Hunt to abandon the plans.

self-reliance and prudence are supposed to be Tory bywords. soaking the middle classes should be left to Labour.