McInnes issues Shire tax cut challenge

4.37.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Sep 2008

Alison McInnes, Lib Dem MSP for the North East is backing Tavish Scott's call to the other political parties in Scotland to work with the Liberal Democrats to cut the income tax rate by two pence in the pound.

Mr Scott, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland, believes that as families across Scotland have to tighten their belts because of the current economic climate, the Government should do the same.

Cutting income tax in Scotland by two pence in the pound would mean that the average Scot would save over £300 on their annual tax bill.

Under the Liberal Democrats' plans, around 84,000 workers in Aberdeenshire, could save money. The average earner in Aberdeenshire could save £358.

Liberal Democrats have identified areas where the Government is wasting or misdirecting public money. We think that this money is better back in peoples' pockets. We are absolutely committed to protecting schools and hospitals, which is why none of the savings will come from these frontline services.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"It's the measure of a political party that it can respond to urgent new demands. That's why this Party needs to be ready. People are hurting now. The British economy is in meltdown. People want to hear what we can do for them.

"People in Aberdeenshire are tightening their belts. It's right that Government does as well. Families are feeling the pinch. They have to make sacrifices just to make ends meet. We Liberal Democrats will respond to that.

"Families in the North East are being hit hard by rising prices. Energy costs up by half, food costs up by 30 pounds a month, inflation the highest for 16 years. We can't let this go on. We can't turn our backs. We've got to find ways to help people out.

"We have to say what can be done to put money back into peoples' pockets. We should use the Scottish Parliament's power to cut income tax by two pence in the pound. This could save 84,000 workers in Aberdeenshire money. The average earner in Aberdeenshire could save £358 a year. Putting money back in the pockets of people who need it most is our practical ambition.

"The Scottish Government's Budget comes out in a few days time. That Budget cannot be 'business as usual'. It has to cut the cost of living. It has to put families first.

"So this is our challenge to Scotland's other parties. Are they up for helping people across Scotland? Are they up for helping people in Aberdeenshire? Do they support hard pressed families at this tough time? Will they work with us to make it happen?"