Sir, – Paul Delaney suggests that the universal social charge (USC) “must be the longest temporary little arrangement ever devised” (Letters, May 23rd). However, this award goes to another form of taxation.
Income tax was introduced and abolished twice (1799-1802 and 1803-1816) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, both times to help with war. However, Robert Peel reintroduced it in 1842 as a temporary measure to reduce a budget deficit. By 1852, it was decided to keep to tax to cover the costs of the Crimean War.
By my count, the 181 years of the “temporary” income tax out strips USC by some distance. Which reminds me of an old quote: “Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution.” – Yours, etc,
Dr PAUL LAVIN,
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Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.