Dundee LibDems welcome new tax package

7.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th Sep 2006

Dundee East Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Dr Clive Sneddon has today (Wednesday 20th September) welcomed yesterday's vote at the Liberal Democrat Federal Conference to adopt as party policy the most radical tax reform proposals from any political party.

Clive said, "These proposals will make the 'Green Switch' by making the polluter pay for damage to the environment, and will thus encourage manufacturers to promote a whole range of green technologies, for cars, as well as for solar panels or wind power to generate power in and for the home.

"At the same time they target help to the less well off and to many standard rate tax payers by taking two million low paid workers out of tax altogether and by cutting the standard rate to 20p in the pound.

"By simplifying the complicated allowances which Gordon Brown has allowed to proliferate, it will also be harder for the well off to avoid paying their fair share.

"Finally, the replacement of Council tax with a local income tax will ensure that payment for local government services is related to ability to pay, while saving the bureaucracy of Council tax collection since the new tax will be assessed and collected by the Inland Revenue."

Clive concluded, "Alone of the major parties, the Liberal Democrats are committed to fairness, financial responsibility and effectiveness. This is why support for the Liberal Democrats is increasing, and if you support Sir Menzies Campbell's proposals to make our contribution to saving the planet, I would urge you to join us in our campaign for a better and greener Dundee and Scotland next May."

Related Links:

Green Tax Switch.

Radical new tax package will help the poorest and safeguard the environment.