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Last Updated: Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 18:47 GMT 19:47 UK
Tory tax group takes new approach
By Evan Davis
BBC economics editor

George Osborne
The commission was set up by shadow chancellor George Osborne

A Tory commission wants a �21bn tax cut. No change there then you might say.

Well, in fact, it's not quite like old school Conservative tax policy.

For one thing, the commission likes to think it isn't Tory.

Some members are just small-c conservatives.

It is also different today in that the commission is not starting out with the goal of cutting taxes by �21bn and then thinking of how to give away the cash.

It is starting out with a list of desired tax reforms and then arriving at a net tax cut of �21bn.

Interestingly, there is no mention in the commission's report of raising environmental taxes

The commission clearly believes that tax reform can only be achieved with tax cuts or otherwise there are too many big losers for reform to be politically feasible.

So there are differences but it is still a Conservative commission arguing for a huge tax cut, a cut that would be painful for a chancellor.

Many on the free market right believe that when you cut taxes you stimulate the economy and ultimately bring in more tax revenue.

The commission thinks there is some merit in this view but only up to a point.

It does not buy the full-blown version of these arguments and rejects the idea of a flat tax, an idea for radically simplifying the tax system.

Interestingly, there is no mention in the commission's report of raising environmental taxes.

David Cameron has made clear that remains an objective.

Ah, a tax rise there. That could pay for some of the tax cuts now on the Tory agenda.


SEE ALSO
Tory group urges �21bn tax cuts
18 Oct 06 |  UK Politics
Tories pledge new 'green' taxes
31 Aug 06 |  UK Politics
Tory party hints at tax cut plan
27 Aug 06 |  UK Politics
Tories show off 'scribbled' logo
15 Sep 06 |  UK Politics
Head-to-head: 'Green tax' plans
07 Aug 06 |  UK Politics

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