Rodger challenges other parties to help hard pressed families in East Lothian with tax cut
September 16, 2008 10:00 AM
Amy Rodger, Lib Dem candidate for East Lothian, is backing Tavish Scott's call to the other political parties in Scotland to work with the Liberal Democrats to cut the income tax rate by two pence in the pound.
Mr Scott, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, believes that as families across Scotland have to tighten their belts because of the current economic climate, the Government should do the same.
Tavish, who has promised to break through the Holyrood bubble, said: "It does not matter how this tax cut is seen in the halls of Holyrood or Westminster, what matters is the real difference this 2p tax cut will make to families across Scotland.
Under the proposals, the typical family in Scotland will save over £300 a year. At a time when everyone is struggling with the cost of food and fuel, the Liberal Democrats are offering sensible solutions and not just short term sound bites."
He added: "Liberal Democrats have identified areas where the Government is wasting or misdirecting public money. We think that this money is better back in peoples' pockets. We are absolutely committed to protecting schools and hospitals, which is why none of the savings will come from these frontline services."
Under the Liberal Democrats' plans around 37,000 workers in East Lothian could save money. The average earner in East Lothian could save £357 per year.
Commenting, Amy said: "It's the measure of a political party that it can respond to urgent new demands. That's why this Party needs to be ready. People are hurting now. The British economy is in meltdown. People want to hear what we can do for them.
"People in East Lothian are tightening their belts. It's right that Government does as well. Families are feeling the pinch. They have to make sacrifices just to make ends meet. We Liberal Democrats will respond to that.
"Families in East Lothian are being hit hard by rising prices. Energy costs up by half, food costs up by £30 a month, inflation the highest for 16 years. We can't let this go on. We can't turn our backs. We've got to find ways to help people out.
"We have to say what can be done to put money back into peoples' pockets. We should use the Scottish Parliament's power to cut income tax by two pence in the pound. The average earner in East Lothian could save over £350 a year, a real help through these tough times. The Liberal Democrats are tackling the current economic climate head-on, unlike London Labour who have run out of steam, run out of ideas and run out of time."
"The Scottish Government's Budget comes out in a few days time. That Budget cannot be 'business as usual'. It has to cut the cost of living. It has to put families first.
"So this is our challenge to Scotland's other parties. Are they up for helping people across Scotland? Are they up for helping people in East Lothian? Do they support hard pressed families at this tough time? Will they work with us to make it happen?"
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