Liberal Democrats call for Real Tax Cuts

Liberal Democrats in Shrewsbury have called for real cuts in income tax to help struggling families get through the recession.
Councillor Dr Charles West, Parliamentary Candidate for Shrewsbury and Atcham, was speaking to a meeting of members on Friday evening. "Gordon Brown needs the courage of his convictions, "said Dr West. "He tends to go in for temporary sticking plaster solutions. Many people are still out of pocket following the government's decision to double the starting rate of income tax last year. Gordon Brown's remedies then were temporary and patchy. After a year of rocketing fuel, transport and food prices we need more now than a few temporary tax cuts and some free theatre tickets."


"When the Chancellor presents his Pre-budget Report to Parliament on Monday," said Dr West "Liberal Democrats will be pressing for permanent tax cuts for people on low and middle incomes."
"To make these tax cuts lasting, they have to be funded. That means shifting the tax burden onto pollution and ending the tax perks and loopholes enjoyed by the highest earners.
"We are worried that the Government will simply introduce temporary tax cuts, paid for by borrowing, which will disappear once we start to come out of recession."
"Where we believe that borrowing does make sense is to invest in new buildings and facilities that are needed. I am very keen to see people's homes properly insulated and more affordable homes built for people who need them. It would make sense now to use government funding to build up our infrastructure, to build hospitals, schools and improve the rail network. This would boost jobs and the economy, it will help to save money in the future and be far cheaper than the much criticised PFI schemes they have used in the past."
Charles West
Parliamentary Candidate Shrewsbury and Atcham Liberal Democrats
3 Bellstone, Shrewsbury SY1 1HU