Report highlights tax burden increase

The UK's overall tax burden has increased over the last decade, it has been claimed.

According to reports by the Press Association, a publication by the TaxPayers' Alliance - an organisation established in 2004 - has revealed the extent of the increase, which currently stands at more than 50 per cent.

The report was written by Mike Denham, a former economist for the Treasury.

"People are increasingly beset by record levels of taxation and growing service charges, but there has been no improvement in services in return," said Mr Denham.

"We find ourselves paying more and more for less and less. With rocky economic times ahead, this rate of taxation simply cannot be sustained."

The organisation has confirmed that the country's total tax burden had risen to an annual total of £517 billion, which compares with a level of £294 billion for the period between 1997 and 1998.