Taxes 'have risen 161/2p by stealth'

Stealth taxes have added the equivalent of 161/2p to the basic rate of income tax, it is claimed today.

Opposition politicians say the 66 extra taxes imposed by Chancellor Gordon Brown - including rises in stamp duty, national insurance and council tax - equate to a rise in income tax from 22p in the pound to 381/2p, so a taxpayer on £25,000 a year is paying an extra £60 a week in taxes.

Shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin said: "Gordon Brown is the Fat Controller of modern government. He believes fatter government means better government."