After a terrible week for the Government, what with "lost discs" and the ongoing Northern Wreck situation, it could be time for the Chancellor et al to win some quick brownie points.

Or maybe as the Prime Minister's popularity plummets, Brownie points.

First up could be moves to reconsider the changes to capital gains tax.

Rarely has a measure united just about everyone against it - unions, business, private equity; at present it is proving just one of the lightning conductors the Opposition is using to beat Mr Darling.

The change to an 18 per cent flat rate may make the tax regime simpler, but it could also lead to more owner managers trying to avoid the charge.

Also, introducing it by next April is a bit rapid for those trying to make provisions to lessen its impact.

Alternatively, an increased taper - say ten per cent after owning a business asset for ten years rather than two would help people who have built up a company over many years and are looking to its sale as their retirement fund.

That would also halt the low tax paid by private equity on the sales of companies.

It would prove pretty popular too. Nearly half of small and medium-sized firms believe changes to capital gains tax (CGT) will have a negative impact on their business, according to one survey out today.

The study conducted by GfK NOP for the CBI examined the impact of the proposed tax changes, and the recent credit crunch, on small and mediumsized business.

Some 40 per cent of the 500 firms questioned said the CGT shake-up, which comes into force next April, would affect them adversely, while 70 per cent felt that the changes undermine the Government's approach to enterprise.

All three elements of the CGT changes - the abolition of taper relief, the change in the marginal rate, and the scrapping of indexation relief - were unpopular with respondents, especially those with an equity stake.

The CBI reported that four in 10 equity holders said the shake-up would force them to become less entrepreneurial, while 43 per cent have abandoned plans to invest in new business.

"The government's standing with business has been sorely undermined by the proposed capital gains tax changes, and there is a lot of damage to be repaired," said John Cridland, deputy director-general of the CBI.

"These changes are trampling on the spirit of enterprise and discouraging entrepreneurs from investing in their business.

"The market is also being distorted as firms rush through plans for sale."

So, OK, the Government should have another look at the capital gains tax issue.

The Opposition may accuse them of being cynical and pandering to public opinion. Gordon Brown's claims to be a conviction politician may suffer even more of a knock.

But who seriously believed that one anyway?

This was the Labour leader who forced the 'independent' Admiral Lord West into a U-turn over detention and invited Margaret Thatcher around for tea.

To actually listen to the voters may not be a bad start as the Government tries to regain some credibility.