Stephen Timms , Treasury Minister, has hinted that plans to impose a 50p per month stealth tax on fixed phone lines to fund the next generation broadband may be postponed until after the general election.

A Government spokesperson confirmed that the UK Goverment remains commited to introducing the 50p tax in 2010 as set out in the Digital Britain report but no final decisions have yet been made.

According to the Sunday Times, Timms, who recently replaced Lord Carter- author of the Digital Britain Report- told journalists that a short bill listing more popular measures would probably be pushed through prior to the election. Leaving more unpopular measures until later.

The Tories are expected to oppose the £6 tax so if they win the General Elections the scheme will be ditched.