The man aiming to be Winchester's new Conservative MP has delivered his verdict on this week's Budget.
The man aiming to be Winchester’s new Conservative MP has delivered his verdict on this week’s Budget, which sets out the Government’s plans for taxes and public spending.
Steve Brine (pictured right with David Cameron) said he was gravely concerned at plans to increase taxes on families and local firms across the Winchester area and told The Observer the sooner Gordon Brown and New Labour leave office the better it will be for the city.
“I don’t think they are governing in the best interests of this country anymore, we need to move on replace this failing Government with a new Conservative administration led by David Cameron.” Mr Brine listed five areas he said were among those causing the greatest concern for local people.
- National Insurance will be increased for workers and for firms discouraging Winchester businesses from hiring staff, cutting people’s pay packets, and mean anyone earning £20,000 a year or more will be worse off.
- National debt will double to £1.4 trillion – this is equivalent to £22,500 of debt for every man, woman and child. Taxes are to rise by £1,000 for every family over the next two years.
- Fuel duty is up 2 pence per litre, and will continue to rise by more than inflation for the next four years, increasing the cost of travelling to work, taking children to school and going shopping.
- Alcohol duty, which was hiked up in December, will rise again as part of the Government’s plans to increase the cost of beer, cider, spirits and wine by more than inflation every year. This punishes responsible drinkers and is putting small local pubs out of business.
- Business rates are rising by £1 billion in the middle of a recession. Business rates are the biggest cost for firms after rent and staff costs. Bills have soared for local firms since the beginning of April, and further large hikes are expected next year too.
Steve added; “In these tough economic times, families and local firms across Winchester are going to pay the price for Gordon Brown’s failings. These aren’t taxes for the few; they are taxes for the many. At a time when people are losing their jobs or facing pay freezes, hard-working families now face smaller pay packets and a higher cost of living. I am more convinced than ever that it is time for change.
"I hope I can become this city’s local MP next year and give people here a voice in a new Conservative Government that is pledged to repair our broken public finances and help lead this country out of recession.”
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See much more information on Conservative plans to help Britain through Labour's recession via www.conservatives.com