Government budget fails to help those who need it most

10.12.08am GMT Tue 25th Nov 2008

The Government's proposals for a temporary cut to VAT will not help those who need it most claims Mike Bell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Weston-super-Mare.

"This cut does not make essential items cheaper like food, clothing and public transport so is unlikely to really help people who are struggling in the current economic climate. It is a short term gimmick that is paid for by a longer term hike on National Insurance. The Government are not living in the real world if they think this VAT con is going to kickstart the economy," said Mike Bell.

"Real tax cuts for those on low and middle incomes paid for by closing tax loop holes for the wealthy is a fairer way of really helping people and more sustainable in the longer term.

"Extra borrowing should have been used to fund longer term capital projects that will benefit the country as a whole not short-term cuts to VAT which just help the big spenders.

"It all smacks of panic from a Government that has allowed the economy to get out of control".