LibDem tax package would be good for people of Dundee, say Dundee Liberal Democrats (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

LibDem tax package would be good for people of Dundee, say Dundee Liberal Democrats

August 11, 2006 7:14 AM

Cllr Fraser Macpherson, Dundee's Finance Convener

Cllr Fraser Macpherson says LibDem tax package would be good for people of Dundee

Dundee City Council's Liberal Democrat Finance Convener has today (Friday 11th August) welcomed LibDem plans for a fairer, greener and simpler tax system.

Cllr Fraser Macpherson said, "These proposals would mean lower tax bills for most households in Dundee, as well as tackling inequality and environmental damage.

"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%. Wealth inequality has actually risen since Labour came to power.

"These Liberal Democrat proposals will make the tax system fairer for those on low and middle incomes. Specifically this will benefit the vast majority of pensioners, key public sector workers and young professionals.

"These tax cuts for the majority will be paid for by the wealthy and those with environmentally damaging lifestyles," concluded Cllr Macpherson

The proposals published today by the Liberal Democrat Tax Commission would:

• Lift two million people on low income out of tax

• Cut the basic tax rate by 2p and take 1.3 million people out of the upper tax rate

• Tackle climate change by taxing pollution

• Cut the number of tax rates and reliefs for both individuals and businesses

Launching the report, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Dr Vince Cable MP said:

"These proposals demonstrate our commitment to tackling inequality and environmental damage while maintaining financial discipline.

"The tax changes totalling £18 billion a year are the most progressive policies proposed by any party in recent history. This is achieved without raising overall levels of taxation."