Folly of a windfall tax

sir – Windfall taxes (report, May 25) will increase the burden of administration by taking with one hand and finding complex ways to give back with the other. Fuel prices affect every product we use in some way, so further promote the inflationary cycle.

Removing VAT on fuel, removing the green levy, lowering the tax take on petrol and diesel, revoking the National Insurance levy and performing a U-turn on income tax allowances would all put money back in people’s pockets.

Mike Metcalfe

Butleigh, Somerset

sir – At least the Government is sending a clear message: “Don’t invest in Britain. If you make a large profit we will invent a new tax to take it from you.”

Ray Cantrell

Colchester, Essex

sir – A lifetime’s engagement with the volatile shipping markets has taught me that elevated commodity prices fall most quickly when supply increases and demand reduces. Neither would be encouraged by a windfall tax. Peter Kerr-dineen

Withypool, Somerset