A taxation racket

Sir,

More publicity should be given to the swindle perpetrated by the Treasury under the recent Budget on motorists whose tax fell due at the end of March and who did not happen to apply before April 7th (within the 14-day period). I was one of these and was charged at the new £17 10s. rate.

I maintain that as soon as I used my car after March 31st a contract existed to grant me a licence at the then-current rate, subject to my applying within 54 days. To increase the price in this way during a period of “grace” is iniquitous.

An acquaintance of mine was similarly overcharged when he had actually been prevented from making an application before Budget Day because his registration book was unusually delayed in the hands of the local authorities during notification of change of ownership of the vehicle.

Is this the meaning of “social justice”?

Maidenhead.
C. W. Robertson.