News from The Labour Party

94% of couples would not benefit from Cameron’s marriage tax break

New figures from the Treasury today reveal that only 6% of married couples would benefit from the Tories’ new married couples plan.

Far from his commitment to “recognise all marriages”, 94% of married couples would get nothing.

In fact, in order to fund this new tax pledge, David Cameron and George Osborne have admitted they will raise other taxes, hitting married couples as well as the rest of the population.

Liam Byrne MP, Labour’s Chief Secretary to the Treasury, today said:

“Marriage plays a vital role in our society. But David Cameron’s latest marriage tax plan does nothing for 19 out of 20 married couples – except put a tax rise on their cars and holidays.

“David Cameron broke his promise to help all married couples when he was forced to admit his plans didn’t add up.

“Now, he’s got himself into the absurd position of having a married couples policy that leaves the majority of married couples worse off.

“As the Tories stagger from one promise to another, it’s becoming clear their plans are dangerously ill thought through and they remain a risk to families and the economy.”

Other news from The Labour Party

• Securing the recovery, not putting it at risk - 10 March 2010
• Take a long hard look at the Tories on crime - 9 March 2010
• Tory NHS plans could see 4 million evening and weekend GP appointments cut - 4 March 2010