THE following observation may be, I think, of use to members of the public who have once again been conned by Gordon Brown.

He announces ten per cent starting rate on income tax is to be discontinued and then announces that income tax will be cut to 20 per cent.

Here is an approximate calculation on the big con:

Old system:

* Personal earning; £20,000 per year
* Tax-free allowance; £7,000
* Leaving; £13,000
* First £2,000 at 10 per cent = £200. Then £11,000 at 22 per cent = £2,420
* £2,420 plus £200 = £2,620 overall tax.

New System:

* Personal earning; £20,000 per year
* Tax-free allowance; £7,000
* Leaving; 20 per cent. Then £13,000 = £2,600 overall tax.

A saving of £20, which equates to approximately 39p per week.

Another sneaky way to con the gullible public into thinking they are being given something, could it be a vote catching con?

Mr B Gee, Alder Way, New Earswick, York.