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PA
UK News

Christian charities 'could lose out' over Jeremy Corbyn's maximum wage idea

by Aaron James

Rob Flello, who represents Stoke on Trent South, was speaking after the Labour leader (above) said a maximum wage was something the party would look at.

The MP (below) hinted the move could punish high-earning Christians who give significant amounts of their income to Christian and non-Christian charities, churches and other good causes, and that increasing minimum wages at the bottom of the pay scale while ensuring high-earning individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes was a better option.

He acknowledged some people on high salaries are like the rich young man who spoke to Jesus, who was unable to give up his wealth when asked, and that he was concerned for these people's "long term wellbeing".

Jeremy Corbyn didn't suggest a figure for a potential maximum wage but said it would be higher than his current salary of around £138,000.

The Labour leader called the pay of some footballers and executives "grotesque" and "simply ridiculous".

Labour Party

It's been reported a maximum cap on earnings would be difficult to enforce outright, given that people can receive and store their earnings from both inside and outside of the UK, and that those earnings can take different forms, for example salary, investments and returns on them.

Increasing tax rates for very high earners, or establishing a mandatory ratio between what the highest and lowest paid workers in an organisation receive, are other options.

Speaking on Premier's News Hour, Rob Flello said: "I don't really agree with the focus on the top end. What I would much rather is we focus on the salaries of the poorest in our society.

"If you're god is a financial one then I do have concerns for your long term wellbeing, but I think we should be speaking out and saying 'are people avoiding their tax responsibilities'? Are people giving to charity and being philanthropic in their lives?

"There are extremely wealthy, good Christians out there who do some amazing, philanthropic work that they don't talk about, they just get on and make massive donations to charity, out of the wealth that they've accumulated through hard work and dedicating their time."

Listen to Premier's Aaron James speaking to Rob Flello on the News Hour:

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