Britons gloomy about economy — survey

LONDON, Oct 8 (KUNA) — Only eight percent of the British public feels optimistic about the future of Britain’s economy, according to a new survey here Monday.
People are more likely to feel anxious (23 percent) or fearful (15 percent) as they await new Chancellor of the Exchequer (Finance Secretary) Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report tomorrow, the research for accountants and business advisers “BDO Stoy Hayward,” showed.
The poll also found support for tax changes that would benefit home-owners.
More than seven-in-ten of those questioned would welcome the reintroduction of tax relief on mortgage interest and lower stamp duty to help first time buyers.
Nearly half opposed introducing a new tax on homeowners in order to reduce the basic rate of income tax, with only 27 percent supporting such a measure.
But 60 percent of respondents backed additional taxation on second homes owners, while only 18 percent would be against this.
Stephen Herring, senior tax partner at BDO Stoy Hayward, said in a statement “The new Chancellor will need to tread very wearily if he wishes to address the problems of first time buyers through taxation measures.” “Although certain measures may seem to have popular support, all of these would either be costly tax reliefs which are probably not affordable or would be expensive and unpopular for the existing homeowners who foot the bill,” Herring added.

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