Moray SNP News

TORY BUDGET ‘ROBS THE POOR TO PAY THE RICH’ SAYS LOCHHEAD

Richard Lochhead MSP for Moray has responded to the UK Chancellor’s ‘mini-budget’ statement in the House of Commons earlier today. 

Mr Lochhead has said the Tory government is “robbing the poor to pay the rich” as ordinary taxpayers are left footing the bill for multi-billion pound tax breaks for large corporations and the highest earners.

Moray’s MSP has argued the UK Government should be doing much more to help low and middle income families, as well as small businesses, rather that putting more money in the pockets of the wealthiest people in the country.

Figures suggest that following today’s announcement, someone earning £1m a year will receive a tax cut of £55,000 – double the average UK salary – whilst the poorest half of households will only be £230 better off next year.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“The measures announced by the UK Chancellor will do very little to mitigate the Tory-made cost of living crisis and will provide little comfort to folk struggling here in Moray.

“The fact is this Tory Government is robbing the poor to pay the rich, forcing ordinary taxpayers to foot the bill for multi-billion pound tax breaks for big businesses and the highest earners. It’s Robin Hood in reverse – taking billions of pounds away from working and middle class people, small businesses, and public services, and dishing it out to the richest people and biggest businesses in the country.

“A decade of Tory cuts and Brexit damage means the UK already has the worst levels of poverty and inequality in north west Europe and that was before energy bills started soaring. Millions more households are set to be pushed into further hardship and this Tory government is clearly not on their side.

“We do not want nor need the cap lifted on bankers bonuses – we need to see urgent targeted support for low and middle income families and small businesses, all of whom are under enormous financial pressure right now. If this Tory government fails to bring that type of support forward the consequences for ordinary folk will be disastrous.”