Dundee Liberal Democrats back Clegg's call over economy

5.30.31pm GMT Fri 8th Feb 2008

Dundee Liberal Democrats back Clegg's call over economy

Dundee LibDems today (Friday 8th February) backed calls by Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg MP who has called for a new era of financial discipline, an end to tax rises, and an economic stimulus package of tax cuts for low and middle income earners - to steer Britain through the coming economic turmoil.

Nick Clegg said, "The Liberal Democrat approach to the economy, and to public spending, will always be responsible ... we need to accept that our fiscal position is in such a mess that we must be extremely firm on public spending.

"There isn't much scope in fiscal or monetary terms for a stimulus package. But we can restructure our tax system to give tax breaks to low and middle-income families, to support consumer spending.

"Overall, the tax burden should not rise. But it's also vital that we shift the burden of taxation away from hard work and onto pollution. The Liberal Democrats would cut national income tax by 4p.

"We must ensure that the rise in home repossessions we have already seen does not become an epidemic. If we don't, fire sales will turn a housing market slowdown in to a full-on slump, with potentially dire consequences."

Locally, here in Dundee, Liberal Democrat councillor for Strathmartine Ward and Vice Convener of Economic Development on Dundee City Council, Cllr Helen Dick, said, "Nick Clegg has put forward a positive programme to ensure Britain's long term financial security. He is highlighting the real issues facing Britain today."

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Read Nick Clegg's speech in full.

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