IT does amaze me that the Labour Party is seriously considering the Mansion Tax option to raise some money.

The Liberal Democrats lost, in my mind, a huge number of votes at the last General Election because of it.

It is totally wrong to assume someone living at a good address has also a large income.

They may have lived there most, or all, of their lives.

Also, a high value property does not always mean it is actually in good condition or have all the services found in a more modern dwelling.

And the occupier may not be the legal owner and yet has to pay the rates/council tax.

The suggestion that it would only affect properties over £2m, assuming values do not drop again.

But how can you guarantee that any left-wing party would then hit properties over £1m, then half a million?

How many properties over £2m will become empty, and in doing so devalue? Therefore, not in fact be worth £2m.

How many estates will be bought up by foreigners who pay their taxes abroad? Then our unemployed will be expected to do their gardening and housework.

This is just an example of where being a socialist/communist does not work. Nor is inheritance tax at all fair. For the same reasons. If you want money to stay in Britain, then let us Brits hold on to it. Or do you really want us all to be on the dole?

I say create more Income Tax bands, so that is collected immediately. Tax on earnings. Then allow anyone to use the remainder on acquisitions, and if they wish then pass those on to members of the family, to avoid them having to beg for hand-outs. It would save on the social security/benefit payments.

It is not greed by the hard-working people, but pure envy or jealousy of others, who want something for nothing.

You will simply drive out business people and rich individuals to other countries, quite possibly the Euro Zone. As that will eventually be a lot stronger than tiny little old UK, with or without Scotland, the pound sterling stands alone, unsupported by any other country. Tighten up all the loopholes, before hitting the ordinary public.

Come on people, it is not politically incorrect to question policies.

RICHARD GRANT, Burley.