Confusion reigns

In asking “who are working people?”, last Saturday’s Times leader article “Tangled Web, October 26” refers to wealthy people as “those who look out on a ha-ha”.  A ha-ha wall is to provide the illusion of an unbroken view across the surrounding countryside.  Consequently the wall itself is invisible when viewed from the house.

Perhaps this confusion is deliberate, consistent with the widespread pre-budget rumour of an increase in National Insurance contributions (“NICs”).  What may actually materialise is a reduction in the NICs rebate on employer contributions to pension pots, provisionally £25.3 billion for last year.  This would not break a manifesto promise, it would pass most people by (albeit cutting a rebate has the same impact as raising a tax), and it would be so much more progressive….