Revealed this week, a tax increase of 50p may become law for UK taxpayers that will go towards a fund to fuel growing development for the infrastructure of Internet networks throughout Britain.
Appearing as part of the Digital Britain Report, the increase would be aimed at providing suitable internet connections across the United Kingdom to millions of homes, some which still have no viable connection. Stephen Timms, minister for "Digital Britain", will put forward the tax as part of the Finance Bill. It is said the new Tax would raise approximately £175 million a year that would be used to create and improve existing networks.
Adding to the report, Timms stated "We want to make high speed networks nationally available. The next-generation fund will help that and we will legislate for it this side of a general election," reaffirming the goals that would be set out for money that would be collected from the 50p tax.
Timms was also kind enough to set the record straight on the Digital Britain report that had been reportedly "derailed". Replying to BBC News, he states "Nothing has been derailed. It is full steam ahead."
However, it is expected that other parties will criticize the new bill. John Wittingdale, a Tory MP and part of the DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) committee stated "I'm confident the Conservative party will oppose it. I object to it on the basis that it is another tax and is aimed at people who are using old technology."
Lord Mandelson has also had a hand in building the report on Digital Britain, most noticeably on illegal file sharing, which is rumoured to include removing certain users who continue to download and share illegal copies of digital media.
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