“Coalition Budget is good news for 75,860 people in Stockton, “ say Stockton Liberal Democrats

In Stockton Borough 73,000 people will get a tax cut in 2013/14 as a result of this budget.

5290 have already been removed from income tax in 2011/12 as a result of Coalition policies.

2860 more will be removed from income tax in 2012/13 (effect of Coalition polices announced some months ago)

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Elliot Kennedy commented, "Liberal Democrats went into the last general election and the Coalition agreement promising no Income tax for people with under £10,000 a year income by the end of the present parliament. The figure was only £6475 when Labour left office; by 2013-14 it will already be £9205, so we're well ahead of schedule in delivering on that promise."

All state pensioners will benefit from next month from an unprecedented rise in their pensions - £5.10 per week for those on the basic state pension. Cllr Alan Lewis said " Only those with an income as well as their basic state pension will pay any tax, it is good that all pensioners will get the big rise in basic pension".

Cllr Julia Cherrett said "If the 50p tax rate is so important to Labour, why did they have it for only 57 days out of 13 years in power".