Hi, 

I have never signed an e-petition on the official government website before, but I do believe this one is really important.

Basically it is trying to stop the state from being able to reach into your bank accounts and take the amount of tax they say you owe them, without enough safeguards in case they have made a mistake or you genuinely can't afford to pay. 

So it could cause tremendous unwarranted and unfair hardship - with many believing it will mostly hurt the poor and elderly. 

In essence it amounts to legalised state confiscation of assets - something I don't think we should tolerate in a civilised country.

What's more, the proposed legislation has been widely criticised by the tax profession, and the e-petition itself has been created by the highly respected tax guru Mike Truman, who is outraged by it. 

If you think the Government should not be given these draconian powers, I urge you to:

► Sign the e-petition on the government website here (it only takes 20 seconds) http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/68384

► And spread the word by sharing this post too

The government will only change its mind if enough people object.

Noel Guilford