Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell has welcomed a balanced budget that supports those who are willing to work hard to turn our economy around.
The current economic backdrop has left the Government with a number of difficult choices to sort out the finical mess the last Labour Government left behind. Mr Mundell believes that it is important to tackle the deficit as it is not possible to spend your way out of debt, but is pleased that the Chancellor has taken his calls to cancel the planned rises to fuel duty.
“The Government has taken decisive action to help local people and businesses by cancelling the planned fuel duty increase for 1 September 2013. Petrol will now be 13 pence per litre cheaper than it was under Labour’s plans. This announcement will put money back in people’s pockets in these difficult times,” said Mr Mundell.
“I have campaigned tirelessly on this issue and have lobbied the Chancellor and the Prime Minster to make sure they understand that having a car in this part of the world is not a luxury, but for many businesses and families it is a necessity.”
“We can also welcome the fact that the basic personal income tax allowance has been extended again and will reach £10000 in 2014/15, which will help those on low incomes and make sure that work pays. So far these changes have meant a tax cut of almost £600 for those on low incomes.”
"On top of cutting the income tax bill for almost 25 million people, the Government is now introducing tax free-childcare, saving a typical family with two children up to £2,400 a year. This represents one of the biggest measures ever introduced to help parents with childcare costs.”
Mr Mundell continued: “The Budget represents the best possible deal for local people against the backdrop of a difficult economy and the massive burden of debt Labour left behind. Whilst not all the choices the government are making are popular, the alternative of continuing to run up debt is unsustainable. This budget has balanced the need to keep public spending under control and help local people who are working hard to turn our economy around.”