The basic rate of tax (20%) is anything between £0 - £34,370
The higher rate of tax (40%) is anything between £34,371 - £150,000
The soon to be abolished additional rate of tax (50%) is anything over £150,00

There is difference between the lower rate and higher rate of less than £35,000 wheras there is a difference between the higher rate and additional rate is over £115,000. This is unbalances and salaries of £30,000 - £50,000 are really not big salaries in this economic climate with all the rises and cuts. The basic rate should be extended to income of upto £50,000 to help people to meet the rises and balance this tax banding system.