Abolition of the 10p rate will have massive impact in Rossendale and Darwen - Press release

Commenting on the doubling of Income Tax rates for the low paid on Sunday April 6, Jake Berry, prospective Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen, said:

“We are all seeing the cost of living go up – whether in higher Council Tax or rising fuel and energy bills. I am staggered that the Government has therefore decided to double the rate of Income Tax on the lowest paid and on part-time workers. On Sunday April 6, Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling are scrapping the 10% starting rate of Income Tax.

“It seems the people who have the least are the ones who will be paying the highest price for the Government’s bungled budget. This tax rise may have little impact in the South of England where wages are higher but average wages in Rossendale and Darwen fall well below the national average and people have contacted me to say the this doubling of their tax bill will squeeze them further just when they can least afford it.”

“The Government has confirmed that around 5.3 million families will lose out. 26 Labour MPs have signed a motion calling on the government to reverse the budget tax hike on low income earners. I support their motion and hope that this badly thought out tax plan will be scrapped.”