It was not too long ago the coalition government was exhorting the utopian qualities of its Big Society, explaining that by volunteering extra time or cash the UK would pull itself out of financial trouble with everyone playing their part.

So is it sending out confusing and mixed messages with what’s been dubbed the ‘charity tax’? Or, in this austere climate, is it simply a reasonable conclusion that the very wealthy should not be able to avoid paying tax, even if they do give generously?

Fr