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Friday, March 29, 2024

Treasury Must Pass On Every Penny From Tory Tax Hike

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The Chancellor must “pass on every penny” owed to Scotland from the Tory tax hike – as MPs vote on UK government plans to raise National Insurance.

Alison Thewliss MP (pictured) said the tax hike was a regressive move that will make millions of Scottish families, young people and low and middle income workers hundreds of pounds worse off a year – and leave the poorest in society subsidising the wealthiest.

The SNP Shadow Chancellor said with the vast majority of Tory MPs unwilling to rebel, despite many privately sharing the concerns of opposition parties, it was essential that Scotland receives every penny it is due and the Chancellor uses the budget to address the growing unfairness in Tory tax and benefits policy, as in-work poverty rises to record levels this century.

Polling by YouGov has found that a majority (58%) of Scots ‘oppose’ the National Insurance rise, 61% think it is ‘unfair’, and more than two thirds (70%) think it is ‘unacceptable’ for Boris Johnson to break the Tory manifesto pledge.

Analysis by HMRC has found the tax hike will have a “significant” impact on wages and inflation and warned “There may be an impact on family formation, stability or breakdown as individuals, who are currently just about managing financially, will see their disposable income reduce.”

Commenting, SNP Shadow Chancellor Alison Thewliss MP said:

“The Chancellor must pass on every penny owed to Scotland from this Tory tax hike, which will leave millions of Scottish families hundreds of pounds worse off a year.

“The Treasury must not sell Scotland short by reducing funds in other areas or failing to pass on the full amount.

“Everyone supports more funding for our NHS and social care but this deeply regressive Tory poll tax will unfairly hit Scottish families, the young, and low and middle income workers the hardest – with the poorest in society subsidising the wealthy.

“Yet again, Tory tax rises and benefit cuts are being imposed on Scotland against our will.

“It is essential that Rishi Sunak uses the budget to address this growing unfairness and reverse the Tory poverty crisis, which has seen in-work poverty rising to record levels this century.

“After a decade of Tory cuts, the UK now has the worst levels of poverty and inequality in north west Europe, and the least generous benefits.

“These problems will only get worse as the Tories impose more tax rises and slash Universal Credit.

“It beggars belief that Douglas Ross and his five Scottish Tory MPs back these tax rises and benefits cuts, which will leave 400,000 people in Scotland over £1000 worse off a year.

“The only way to keep Scotland safe from Tory cuts is to become an independent country, with the full powers needed to boost incomes and build a strong, fair and equal recovery.”

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