TUC wants end to 'tax scam of super-rich'

The TUC has urged the Government to introduce new measures to help millions of people affected by the abolition of the 10p tax rate.

The organisation's general secretary Brendan Barber called on ministers to help by closing the loophole that allows a common 'tax scam' perpetuated by the 'super-rich'.

Mr Barber warned that the impact of the new tax regime on low-paid workers is causing great resentment and leading many people to question the fairness of the UK tax system.

The TUC has calculated that compensating 5.3 million workers who have lost out as a result of the abolition of the lower rate tax band will cost the Treasury about £550 million.

The union body believes this could easily be funded by preventing wealthy individuals from splitting ownership of an asset with their spouse within twelve months before sale.

In a speech to the northwest TUC annual conference in Liverpool...