++WEST MPS URGE TAX RISE RE-THINK++ (Paul Harrod)

++WEST MPS URGE TAX RISE RE-THINK++

March 12, 2008 2:33 PM

The Chancellor of the Exchequer should rethink his plans to increase income tax on the lowest earners, say leading Liberal Democrats in the West.

Gordon Brown's last Budget abolished the 10p starting-rate of income tax meaning that those earning £18 500 per year or less will pay more tax from April 1st. The Liberal Democrats believe this is unfair and Alastair Darling should use his first Budget to scrap this tax-rise on the lowest earners. Northavon MP Steve Webb and Bristol West MP Stephen Williams are backing this campaign alongside Paul Harrod Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Bristol North West and Dr Mark Wright, parliamentary candidate for Bristol South.

"It is hard to believe that a Labour government is raising tax for the lowest earners" commented Paul Harrod. "The Government's refusal to get the super-rich to pay a fair level of tax means that the burden is falling increasingly on those that can least afford it. I know that this tax rise will affect thousands of people in my constituency, especially in areas such as Southmead and Lockleaze."

Dr Mark Wright added "This tax rise is on top of the Government's continued mishandling of the tax credit system, overseen by Dawn Primarolo for ten unhappy years. We should be taking the lowest earners out of paying tax altogether, rather than taxing them with one hand and giving a bit back through tax credits, which few people in my constituency have much confidence in anyway.