The tax I'm talking about is VAT and income tax. It means paying the same rates, it is more revenue for the government due to increased economic activity, not just increasing tax rates as some would believe. Regarding public sector pay and private sector pay, private sector pay increases are roughly 2 to 3 times that of the public sector. There must be some very strong unions in the private sector! I'm pleased you accept the basic point I've made, though.