News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

ConDem Budget set to slash Welsh family incomes

Ann Jones AM has condemned the dramatic cuts announced by Tory Chancellor George Osborne in today’s Budget branding them as “regressive and callous”.

The Vale of Clwyd AM today ridiculed the Chancellor’s slogan claiming “we’re all in this together” when estimates show that ConDem cuts will mean a 3.6% fall in household incomes for Welsh families compared with 0.5% in the Home Counties.

Experiments carried out by the Financial Times have made it clear that Osborne’s planned cuts will hit the poorest hardest as deep and immediate cuts dominate the agenda.

The research also shows that a 20% cut in public spending will affect North Wales by more than 10% than that of the national average.

The Labour AM also attacked the decision to raise VAT from 17.5% to 20%, describing it as a regressive tax hike affecting low income families and pensioners as well as small businesses.

Ann Jones said: “This is exactly why people in the Vale of Clwyd came out to vote Labour on 6th May. The ConDem Coalition has no regard for the people of North Wales or anyone North of Witney for that matter.

“Whilst in power, Labour focussed record investment into revitalising local economies in deprived parts of the UK – something that Rhyl is still benefitting from. The Tories are determined to reverse this as soon as possible.

“Cameron and Osborne tell us this is tough – don’t let them. It isn’t tough to slash the incomes of families in the places that need help most – it’s wicked.

“This budget risks growth and guarantees inequality.

“The figures speak for themselves, North Wales will suffer a hit greater than 10% than that of the national average and a rise in VAT will further slash the incomes of the most vulnerable including pensioners and low income families.

“The Tories have abandoned Wales every time they’ve won power. They’re doing it again – and in record time.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010