Tory MP calls for tax statements to itemise spending

CONSERVATIVE MP Ben Gummer will today call on the government to introduce taxpayer statements explaining to people how their taxes will be spent.

Gummer's proposal would see taxpayers get annual statements showing how much tax they will pay in the current year and the year to come as well as how money will be divided by and within Government departments, Money Marketing reported.

Data in the statement would be based on Budget statements, p60s and tax returns. Around election time he says it could also include information on opposition plans, according to the trade magazine.

Gummer, who is the son of the former Conservative agriculture minister john Gummer, told Money Marketing: "There is far too much obscurity in the tax system. Throwing into sharp relief the reality of how tax take is actually spent will make it much clearer and shift public debate."