Cut National Income Tax - Local MP Urges Chancellor

4.35.28pm GMT Mon 19th Mar 2007

Local MP, Julia Goldsworthy, has called on Chancellor Gordon Brown to cut national income tax and make the taxation system fairer when he delivers what is expected to be his last budget on 21st March.

Ms Goldsworthy has urged the Chancellor to take the opportunity to make a 'green tax switch' by changing the tax system so that polluters and the wealthy pay more and those on lower incomes pay less.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson and MP for Falmouth and Camborne said:

"Gordon Brown should use next week's Budget, to make the tax system fairer and deliver significant tax cuts for hard working local people.

"The current system of taxation is not fair. The poorest 20% of households pay a bigger share of their income in tax than the richest 20%. It is incredible that wealth inequality has actually risen since Labour came to power.

"Liberal Democrat proposals will make the tax system fairer for those on low and middle incomes by taxing the wealthy and those with environmentally damaging lifestyles. This will particularly benefit local pensioners, key public sector workers and young professionals.

"Without raising the overall amount of tax raised, the 'green tax switch' would deliver lower tax bills for most households in Falmouth and Camborne, as well as addressing inequality and environmental damage.

"Many warm words have been spoken about the importance of taking action to tackle climate change - this budget gives the Chancellor a real opportunity to demonstrate that he is seriously committed to making this country greener and fairer."