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It's actually politicians perpetuating the status quo through a combination of inertia and vested interests. The classic example of this is the land tax issue which has been kicked around for more than a century. More than one analyst has calculated that if land was valued and taxed according to (1) its location and therefore the services invested in it (the City of Westminster being the ultimate example) and (2) its yield towards the 'common good', no-one would have to pay income tax or National Insurance (and possibly VAT). Individuals working in offices would pay a tax on their home, but less than they pay currently in tax/NI, farmers would pay proportionately very little in relation to their land ownership as their land is productive. In contrast, 'buy to let' landlords, the Duke of Westminster, the Duchy of Cornwall, etc etc, would at last pay their fair share towards the society they live in and to some extent sponge off. The overall income from land to the Treasury would be greater than the current haul from taxation, but no politician will ever preside over its implementation. Why? Vested interests. That's where the true power lies. (And let's hear no more about people on benefits - all they do is provide headlines to help sell copies of The Daily Mail, and to boost Channel 5's viewing figures. They have no real power).

It's obviously the rare gilt over helmet variety.

I do so wish Steve wasn't so busy at the moment, he'd love all this!

So bad it's almost tempting ...