Tax cut prospect mulled in papers

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The prospect of tax cuts to help people in the economic downturn - raised last week - whets a few appetites.

It is the lead for the Sunday Express - which says ministers are working on a package worth £500 a year for every British family.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that the Conservatives are also preparing to unveil their own tax-cutting proposals.

A cuts, it says, will put more money into consumers' pockets , who will then spend it and stimulate the economy.

Stamp duty hope

The News of the World is cautious about tax cuts.

It would welcome them, but finds it hard to see where the money would come from when the government should be reducing public borrowing.

Other options are also considered. The Sunday Mirror's says the prime minister is looking at extending the stamp duty "holiday" to help first-time buyers.

The Sunday Times is keen on an idea advanced by a research organisation for a 5% cut in VAT for two years.

Obama euphoria

Barack Obama's election is the subject of extensive comment and analysis.

For the Observer it was the week that shook the world, but, it asks: "After the euphoria, what next?"

Commentators also reflect on what the Independent on Sunday calls "the other political earthquake": Labour's win in the Glenrothes by-election.

For the News of the World it cements Gordon Brown's position as Labour leader. According to the Sunday Times, it has the Tories sweating.

'Not offended'

The Sunday Telegraph says a council has told staff not to use the phrase "singing from the same hymn sheet" because it could offend atheists.

Salisbury Council has issued guidance to its employees, asking: "What would an atheist want with your hymn sheet?"

But an official of the National Secular Society tells the paper he uses the phrase himself.

"Of course, we should all avoid phrases that can cause unnecessary offence - but this isn't one of them," he says.