Green grow the taxes O

Notice how our MPs are suddenly stamping their feet and screaming blue murder about stealth taxes as they can see their jobs going down the Swanee at the next election? It is not so much conscience as fear of impending unemployment which is driving their protests, methinks.

First there was the 10p tax rate fiasco now we have the fuel duty and road tax debacle. Environment minister Joan Ruddock's cobblers about green taxes and caring for the environment is just a smokescreen. The vast majority of people cannot afford to rush out and buy a new car so they will be forced to pay the higher tax and duty.

The Government not only knows that but is relying on it to pull in increased revenue otherwise there would be no increase in revenue forecast. Slapping a coat of green distemper on it is just a cynical attempt to justify hefty increases that would be political suicide if there was not a econista band waggon to cling on to.

Meanwhile we all know that the extra costs on company vehicles will just be passed on in higher prices to Joe Public who will thus be paying the increased taxes twice.

Of course if the Government is that desperate to balance the books it could always try what the rest of us are being forced to do - namely spend less.

While we are on spending less, might I suggest that Parliament starts with itself. It could build or buy a modest hotel near the Palace of Westminster, or even utilise the athletes' village at the ever more unaffordable London 2012 games, where MPs who have no London home can stay while Parliament is in session.

I accept that MPs work in both Parliament and in their constituencies so I am quite happy to provide accommodation while they are at the commons. But if they have no home in the area they represent, tough. If you apply for and get a job in Southend and live in Stafford then either you commute, rent accommodation near your work or move at your own expense. MPs should do the same.

As for the suggestion that MPs should be given a £23,000 a year tax free lump sum to cover their second home expenses to avoid the messy and demeaning business of having to provide receipts - I wonder what our banana crop will be like this year?