Rishi Sunak’s once-in-a-lifetime chance to rebuild Britain’s economy
SIR – In the past seven days, deaths with Covid-19 have fallen by more than 33 per cent, and hospital admissions by more than 21 per cent.
Scientists and politicians will attribute this news to the lockdown and vaccination programme, but a build-up of natural immunity, seasonal factors and new treatments may also have played a role. We don’t know.
However, what we do know is that the economy needs rebooting, and fast. Tomorrow’s Budget may be the most important of our lifetimes. Good luck to Rishi Sunak. His numbers will be equally important.
Christopher Hunt
Swanley, Kent
SIR – The self-employed who operate as directors of limited companies have received minimal support from the Government during lockdown.
A rise in corporation tax (report, February 28) would be the final kick in the teeth for many of them.
Sean Bellew
London W12
SIR – On top of not being entitled to statutory sick pay, maternity or paternity pay or most forms of “unemployment” benefit, many self-employed people have received no financial support over the past year, despite being prevented from working.
A “tax raid” would be wholly unjustifiable.
Michael Heaton
Warminster, Wiltshire
SIR – Nick King and Jake Berry (Commentary, February 13) argue that the Tories must deliver radical change for Red Wall voters. The North, and especially the North East, suffers from serious deprivation, which has been exacerbated by Covid-19. Mr King and Mr Berry are correct: there needs to be a northern Big Bang.
The best way to achieve this is through freeports. The 30 or so bids submitted go far beyond simply providing a tax-free customs gateway. Our North East England Freeport is focused on building new clusters of industry, centred on existing assets such as Nissan, battery production and renewable energy. They are expected to attract £2.7 billion in private-sector investment and create 14,000 “better” jobs in highly paid, emerging industries with a long-term future.
Our nascent wind energy industry is flourishing. The Port of Tyne will soon be the base for the world’s largest offshore wind farm, and the floating offshore demonstrator at Blyth is expanding.
We need to bring freeports to completion and deliver for the North. Matt Beeton
Chair, North East England Freeport Chief executive, Port of Tyne
SIR – Mr Sunak has a very easy option for raising money: increase the personal allowance to £20,000 and add 5p to both the basic and higher rates of income tax. We are all going to pay it anyway. It might as well be transparent and easy to collect.
Karen Sandler
Manchester