Mike Prendergast, Conservative Leader on Sefton MBC has hit out at Labour’s Budget, saying it is an assault on working people to pay for more welfare spending.
The tax burden on working people is now at a record high and this Budget takes another £26 billion from working people, on top of the £40 billion taken in the last Budget.
Headline measures include the freeze on Income Tax thresholds being extended for another 3 years, capping pension tax relief on salary sacrifice schemes, new property taxes, reductions in the cash ISA limit, taxes on electric vehicles and a Tourist Tax.
At the same time, the Labour government is increasing spending on welfare, scrapping the two child cap at a cost of £3 billion.
Commenting after the Budget, Cllr Mike Prendergast said, “Labour and Rachel Reeves have made it clear, with this chaotic Budget, that they are prioritising welfare over work.”
“Another £26 billion in tax rises to pay for more government spending, to pay for other people’s life choices and all the while the economy is tanking. The last two Budgets have raised taxes by £66 billion, that is just not sustainable.”
“Across Sefton, our high streets are still suffering from the effects of National Insurance increases in April and increased staffing costs. There are now fewer jobs for local people and fewer opportunities because of the jobs tax.”
“In our rural villages in Sefton and neighbouring West Lancashire the Family Farm Tax will kick in from April, a continued attack on our local farmers who contribute enormously to our local economy.”
“Now, Sefton, a borough with a huge tourism, hospitality and leisure sector, is going to have a Tourist Tax imposed. This is despite Labour saying they wouldn’t do this just over a month ago.”
The Tourist Tax will likely cost the public £518 million and is another tax on B&B’s and hotels, who already have seen their National Insurance and Business Rates hiked by Labour.
Mike commented further by saying, “For those people who work, who save, make difficult choices to make ends meet, the Budget was a kick in the teeth. This government have made it clear they don’t care about you and simply view you as a means to raise money.”
“Paying out more in welfare is clearly a bigger priority for Labour than growing the economy and supporting those who work.”
“Local people and businesses deserve better. It’s Conservatives who are offering a real alternative, one that backs aspiration, rewards work and gives our borough and rural communities the chance to thrive.”
“We would cut Stamp Duty, helping first-time buyers get on the ladder and supporting a stronger local housing market.” “We would scrap business rates for retail and hospitality, giving a vital lifeline to Sefton's high street businesses, from family-run shops to pubs, cafés and restaurants, instead of taxing them to the brink.”
“We would scrap the Family Farm Tax, helping farmers across the North West to plan for the future and grow the incredible local produce we all need.”
With inflation up, unemployment up and growth down, and endless u turns from the Labour government bringing further uncertainty, it seems that the attacks from Labour on hard working people are going to continue.
