INCOME TAX INCREASES ARE UNFAIR - HOWARTH

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Apr 2008

Cambridge MP David Howarth has spoken out against an increase in income tax for low income families that came into force this week.

The government has doubled income tax on the first part of taxable income from 10% to 20%. Those who earn less than £18,000 a year, especially those without young children, will be paying considerably more tax.

Mr Howarth commented:

"I am shocked to see that the Government is willing to put even more pressure on low-income households. These increases are unfair.

"I spoke out against the change last year when it was proposed by Gordon Brown and I will not stop today. When it comes back to the House of Commons in two weeks' time, I will vote against it. It is outrageous for Labour to hit low income families while claiming to be defending them."

ENDS