 |
Jo SwinsonLib Dem MP for East Dunbartonshire |
 |
Jo condemns Labour budget as unemployment soars
April 24, 2009 6:00 PM
Jo has criticised Wednesday's budget for not providing enough help for people struggling to make ends meet and the unemployed.
The budget was announced at a time when the total number of job seekers in East Dunbartonshire has risen by over 50% from 881 in March 2008 to 1674 in 2009. Jo has been persistent in calling on government to do more to create jobs to support people through the recession and leave a lasting green legacy for Britain.
Jo and the Liberal Democrats have criticised the government for failing to sort out Britain's unfair tax system and not providing targeted support to those most in need. The latest figures from the Liberal Democrats show the government's VAT cut benefits the richest households most, who save an average of over £9 a week while poorer households save less than £3, despite recent claims by Gordon Brown that families would save at least £5 a week.
By contrast, the Liberal Democrats would give practical help to those who are struggling by cutting the vast majority of people's income tax bills by £700, paid for by taking aggressive action to clamp down on all the loopholes and exemptions that benefit the richest people and biggest businesses.
Commenting Jo said:
"Despite its rhetoric this Labour government is doing too little to support those most affected by the recession. To make a real difference to people's lives the government should be directly reducing income tax for those on lower and middle incomes.
"The ineffectual VAT cut should be reversed and the money put into creating jobs for today and assets for the future, through projects such as building social housing, insulating homes, schools and hospitals and re-opening and upgrading railway lines. This would do far more for people in East Dunbartonshire, who are bearing the brunt of the successive failures of Tory and Labour governments to effectively manage the economy."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats
-
Help out or donate
-
Tell us what you think