Lambert Chapman LLP’s John Smith-Daye says, “I am not a gambling man but……”

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I am a typical male chartered accountant – I have been called “tight fisted”, “mean”, even “boring and unadventurous” – I prefer to call myself “prudent” and “cautious”, two words much used by our beloved (?) Prime Minister, particularly during his stint as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

However, there is an opportunity coming up that may to some be considered a gamble, but to me is all but a dead cert. I am willing to bet my monthly pocket money – yes, up to £2.50 – on the VAT rate remaining at 15% beyond the end of the year. I have heard rumours that the temporary reduction might be extended by a few days to help the retail industry with the January sales.

But – Lo! What is that on the horizon? Do I see an election in the very near future? And do I perhaps feel that the Government may try to win votes by currying favour with the Electorate At Large? And am I really a cynic?

Answers on a postcard please, with the usual £10 note stuck to it with sticky tape, to me at our Maldon office. Don’t send them to my home address, please – my wife might get hold of them.

So will John be right? If you haven’t got a postcard handy leave him a note below:

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