Neil Hudson has welcomed the Government’s change of heart over scrapping the 45p tax rate for high earners.
Dr Hudson, who represents Penrith and the Border, said he welcomed that the Government had listened to him, other Conservative MPs and the public by reversing its initial decision. Already this has seen the pound rise against the dollar in the hours since the Chancellor’s announcement.
In his statement, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “While the Growth Plan sets out a new approach to build a more prosperous economy… it is clear that the abolition of the 45p tax rate has become a distraction from our overriding mission to tackle the challenges facing our country.”
Dr Hudson said: “I thank the Government for listening to me, my Conservative colleagues, and the public and now are reversing this tax decision. Retaining the 45 top tax rate is absolutely the right and moral decision moving forward.
“I’m pleased, after years of stagnation, the Government has made it their priority to boost growth and it should not shy away from that. With that said, it’s clear the plan must be inclusive and boost the economy at all levels with key support for people who are struggling. I firmly believe that giving tax cuts to those on large salaries was not the way to achieve this.
“Beyond this welcome tax change, I welcome support this Government has already provided to people facing high energy bills, with average household savings of around £1,400 this year.
“We are moving in the right direction, but we must move further. So, just as the Government has listened to us on tax, I urge Ministers to listen to me on energy support. I’ve been banging the drum for those in rural areas such as ours who are not on the gas grid and who are on heating oil or LPG, to receive more than the £100 currently being offered.
“It’s simply not enough when considering astronomical prices and minimum orders being enforced. We need to make sure rural Britain is not left behind, and I will continue to push the Government for immediate and resolute action for households and businesses who are off the grid.”
