SO COUNCILLOR Chris Robins (August 26) resorts to political soundbite language about rolling around in clover.

Although some may regard reducing the top rate of tax from 50 per cent to 45 per cent as reducing tax contributions from those who can afford it, it is also worth recognising that these people, many of whom have worked hard to maybe run and own their own business or hold senior responsible positions in large companies, will, when they reach these tax thresholds still be paying £60,000+ PAYE per annum.

I would contend this a perfectly reasonable personal tax contribution which entitles those people to no more state benefits than the councillor or myself.

I have no issue or concern with anyone who has genuinely worked hard to reach these levels of income and would even consider that paying £40 out of every £100 they earn in tax as perfectly reasonable, particularly as almost everyone else, myself included, have had tax allowances increased.

Finally there is a strong case that lowering personal taxation ultimately increases overall tax revenues, which is what we all want. Political opportunism adds nothing to the debate.

Ian Cummings

Gibson Close

Abingdon