Lib Dem tax plans will see 36,100 Powys residents better off

12.00.00am GMT Tue 1st Dec 2009

Kirsty Williams and Roger Williams, AM and MP for Brecon and Radnorshire have today outlined how Liberal Democrat tax proposals will benefit 36,100 taxpayers in Powys. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg and Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable launched the fair tax proposals on Monday in London labelling them the "most radical, reforming tax plans from any political party in many years."

The proposals will remove 7,600 Powys residents from paying tax altogether and a further 28,500 people will receive a £700 tax reduction (2). The proposals will mean 5,000 Brecon and Radnorshire residents are removed from paying tax altogether and 15,000 people in B&R will receive a £700 tax reduction.

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire said: "The Lib Dem proposals would have a hugely positive effect on more than 36,000 people across Powys and 20,000 Brecon and Radnorshire residents - helping to ease the pain of the recession by putting desperately needed money back into the pockets of those on low and middle incomes.

"Our tax proposals confirm that the Liberal Democrats are the only party willing to take action to achieve a fairer society and to help people escape the benefit trap."

"Under the Tories and now under Labour, the gap between rich and poor in Wales has grown wider (1). Those on low and middle incomes are still being asked to prop up the public finances while the richest few are left to exploit tax loopholes and benefit from generous tax allowances.

"Welsh voters will have a clear choice at the general election. More inequality with Labour, the Tories who refuse to rule out tax rises across the board, or our fairer tax proposals, under which the vast majority of Welsh taxpayers would benefit."

Roger Williams MP for Brecon and Radnorshire said: "Under our proposals nobody will pay tax on the first £10,000 they earn, putting £700 in the pockets of anyone earning less than £100,000 a year. In Powys we estimate that this will lift approximately 7,600 people out of paying income tax altogether, while a further 28,500 tax payers will save £700 a year - giving them an extra £60 a month in their pay packets."

"These tax proposals clearly demonstrate the Welsh Lib Dem's commitment to a fairer tax system for Wales and show that we have replaced Labour as the progressive party in Wales. ."

"To fund our fair tax proposals, the Liberal Democrats will close tax loopholes and cut reliefs that benefit the wealthiest, introducing a levy on properties valued over £2m and bringing capital gains tax in line with income tax ratings."