EXEMPTION FROM LEVY

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 63, 16 March 1933, Page 10

EXEMPTION FROM LEVY

(To the Editor.) g Sir, —Now that the subject of exemptions from the unemployment levy has been opened up, I would like to point out what is to my mind an anomaly. In the case quoted of a man whose wife is in receipt of an income-of 35s a week, if he applies for exemption, lie is given a declaration to fill in wliich is very comprehensive. Having filled it in and returned it, he may, after waiting a month or more, .receive total or partial exemption. It seems that often on the first application he will receive total exemption,- but should he apply again, although' his circumstances are exactly the same, he will only receive a partial .exemption or postponement. Now, what exactly is the position 6i the man whose jvife is in receipt gf an income? The law does not hold the wife responsible for payment of ■ the levy, and the man Jiais no money with' which to pay it. Total exemption is given in the case of hardship apparently/ but what greater hardship can there be than nof having the money or any prospects of obtaining it with which to pay? The levy is not such a large amount that- a man would go to all the trouble of seeking exemption unless it was necessary. It is. however, grossly unfair that a man should be liable to'be lined for non-payment of a.levy when'he is not in receipt oE any income.—l am etc., ' '-1.-'.

J.S.D,