A BUDGET FOR FAMILIES AND PENSIONERS IN BISHOP AUCKLAND
Helen today welcomed the Budget unveiled by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, as “a Budget for Britain’s families - excellent news for Bishop Auckland”.
She said, “I was especially delighted at the measures that will mean 200,000 children will be lifted from poverty.”
“Gordon Brown announced that spending on public services is to set to increase with spending on education rising to its highest ever level. This will be good news for schools here in Bishop Auckland and confirms that education remains number one priority.
“And there was good news for hardworking families as well with more help with the costs of bringing up children.
“Child Benefit will rise over the next three years to £20 a week. In 1997 Child Benefit was just £575 a year. Now, under plans announced today by Gordon Brown, Child Benefit will be over £1,000 a year by 2010.
“Already 3,700 families and 6,800 children in Bishop Auckland constituency benefit from tax credits. Today, Gordon Brown announced an increase in the child element of the Child Tax Credit by £150 per year.
“On top of this Gordon Brown was able to announce he was cutting of the basic rate of income tax from 22 pence to 20 pence from April 2008.
“The contribution of those who have built our country and raised families in the past was also recognised in today’s Budget. Increases in pensioners’ tax allowance will take 600,000 pensioners out of paying income tax altogether, as we move forward to restore the earnings link for the basic state pension.
“The adult rate of the National Minimum Wage will be raised to £5.52 per hour and an increase in the Working Tax Credit, along with a new initiative with the major retailers will help more people find jobs and employment in the future.”
Filed under: Uncategorized on March 21st, 2007
