Poverty charity's warning on Conservative 'flat tax' plan
07.09.05

Conservative Party proposals for a flat rate tax system must not leave the poorest worse off, a leading children's charity said today.

The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) was responding to Shadow Chancellor George Osborne's investigation, announced today, into whether a flat tax regime would be viable in the UK.

CPAG Chief Executive Kate Green OBE said:

"CPAG welcomes any debate about how to improve the tax system, but a flat tax system risks making the system even more unfair and regressive than it already is.

"We want the tax system to be progressive so that the richest pay a greater share of their income than the poorest. Sadly, most flat tax systems leave the poor worse off.

"The key test for the Conservative plans is whether they help or penalise those on the lowest incomes. Families with children need more support and it's vital that this continues to be recognised by the tax and benefits system."

For further information please contact:

Alex Belardinelli
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
abelardinelli@cpag.org.uk