Brown: Tory’s plans on tax do not add up

BRITISH Prime Minister Gordon Brown said yesterday the Conservative Party’s tax plans did not add up, seeking to regain the initiative on the top election issue after business leaders backed the opposition.

Brown has faced criticism from business groups and more than 60 large employers over his Labour Party’s proposal to raise the National Insurance payroll tax. Critics say it would cost jobs and undermine recovery from a deep recession.

Bosses reacted with anger after Brown said they had been deceived by the Conservatives, who support a more limited tax rise that would effectively exempt seven out of 10 workers.