GORDON Brown during 1998 told the British people he would, "introduce the 10p starting rate when it was prudent to do so".

Apparently it was prudent in 1999, he told us proudly, it was the "lowest starting rate of tax since 1962". "People will see it in their pay packets in May". "Nearly two million people will see their income tax bills cut in half and take home 90p of every pound they earn".

Fast forward to 2008 and Gordon Brown has reversed that decision, it is estimated that five million people, the lowest paid taxpayers in our society, will now take home only 80p in every £1 they earn and presumably double the income tax they pay.

The question that must be asked is: What kind of mess has Gordon Brown made of the British economy that once again he needs to pick the pockets of the poorest and most vulnerable taxpayers in our society?

TERRY CARROLL, Dibden Purlieu.