'Where has all the money gone?' demand Lib Dems

4.28.19pm GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

Today, Gordon Brown delivered his tenth budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer. But with more and more people feeling let down by New Labour, the Liberal Democrats are asking where all the money has gone over the years Labour has been in power.

Local Lib Dem MP Annette Brooke said: 'Taxes and red tape have increased year on year but now hospitals are announcing cuts in nursing staff as they slip into debt. At the same time, businesses are having to spend more and more time on bureaucracy,'

The Lib Dems have taken the lead in exposing the tax credit fiasco and we are demanding urgent action to tackle the growing personal debt crisis. At the same time we are calling on the Government to deal with the major threats of climate change by taking effective action to protect our environment.

On lack of rebate for pensioners on Council Tax, Annette Brooke added: 'Worst of all, this Budget included no £200 Council Tax rebate for pensioners who are burdened the most by this inequitable tax. Why is it that pensioners deserved help to pay council tax immediately before a General Election, but not immediately afterwards?

On the extension of money for baby bonds she said: "It would be far better to spend money for children on their vital early years, rather than waste millions on a baby bond which will be of little value in 18 years."

Regarding the gaps in the budget speech she commented: "Personal debt is terribly worrying and a disaster for many families. This tragic issue has not been addressed at all by the Chancellor."

Note to editors:

More information about Liberal Democrat policies on the economy and our response to the Budget can be found at www.libdems.org.uk/economy