Inheritance tax (IHT) has been voted the nation’s most hated tax according to a poll from Co-operative Financial Services (CFS). Nearly a third of those surveyed said they would like to see the so-called ‘death tax’ killed off.

Stamp duty came a close second, and according to 23 per cent of Britons, it should be felled, while 21 per cent want the Chancellor to abolish council tax in his Budget next year.

David Anderson, chief executive at CFS, says, ‘There’s no doubt everyone would feel financially better off if they paid less tax, and the good news is that there are simple steps that can be taken to get your own back a little.

‘Just by making contributions to an ISA or pension, people can take advantage of tax breaks, while anyone worried about IHT can take advice on ways it can be minimised.’