Blueprint for help

THE Chancellor could take these steps to ease the financial burdens on the whole population without adversely affecting the public purse.

Increase the tax-free allowance from £12,500 to £13,500. To meet the cost, increase the highest rate of tax on those earning £125,000-plus.

Increase small business rate relief. To pay for this, increase the tax on online sales where gross takings exceed £1 million a year.

Reduce fuel costs by a further 10p per litre. This could be covered by increasing taxes on oil companies. Increase pensions by 5 per cent. Reduce VAT on all goods, paid for by an increase in corporation tax.

Increase benefits by £10 a week. This could be paid for by an increase in inheritance tax.

DAVID DEXTER, Carlton-le-Moorland, Lincs.

COULD part of the cost of living crisis be due to our way of life?

A takeaway coffee costs £3.25. How many flasks could you make from a jar of coffee? I slipped into the habit of buying a takeaway coffee every day until I realised it was costing me £22.75 a week.

Miss P. BROWN, Newcastle, Staffs.