I move amendment No. 12:
In page 18, line 24, to delete "£286" and substitute "£500".
I move this amendment in the hope that anything I can obtain for the beleagured PAYE sector I will accept. I cannot remember whether it was 1981 or 1982 when this particular amendment was first intended as a sop to the thousands of people then marching on the streets. I think the figure was £312 when first introduced. The following year it was reduced for some reason to £286. That is about ten years ago and that is where it now stands.
The argument in equity is that it is a special allowance that applies effectively to the section that pays the most tax. If it was valid ten years ago it ought to be valid today. I have put a figure of £500 on it — that is not scientifically calculated — but if the allowance initially was worth £312, I cannot see how it is worth only £286 now. I recommend it to the House.
