"Gap between rich and poor can be seen in North Edinburgh" - Kevin Lang

7.00.50pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th May 2007

Pensioners are just one group which have been let down by Labour

New official figures have shown the gap between rich and poor has increased since Labour came to power and is now wider than any point under Margaret Thatcher.

A report published by the independent Office for National Statistics has shown the trend for those on the highest incomes to receive the biggest pay rises was outweighing the impact of tax credits, the minimum wage and extra spending on schools, hospitals and welfare benefits.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh North & Leith, Kevin Lang said,

"The stark and growing gap between rich and poor under Labour is evident right here in Edinburgh North & Leith, where relatively affluent communities exist within a stone throw of some of the most deprived communities in Scotland. It is clear to me as to where the blame lies.

"Gordon Brown's decision to increase income tax on poorer families in his budget to fund a tax cut for the rich was an outrage. Furthermore, his complicated system of tax credits has left thousands of local families underpaid and thousands more forced to repay money through no fault of their own. Worse still, poorer pensioners are still forced to apply for degrading means tested benefits rather than getting the decent basic state pension they deserve.

"It is astonishing to believe that despite 10 years of a Labour Government, the gap between rich and poor is now wider than at any time under Margaret Thatcher. The fight against poverty is one of the most important jobs for Government and yet the clear evidence is that Labour's policies are failing some of the most vulnerable people in our society."