Doubling of tax on low paid is no April Fool's joke - Kevin Lang

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 5th Apr 2008

Kevin Lang is campaigning for a cut to income tax to help those in low incomes

Liberal Democrats in the key battleground constituency of Edinburgh North & Leith have condemned a massive increase in income tax on the lowest paid which comes into force today.

From today (5th April 2008), the 10p starting rate of income tax is doubled to 20p, a change that is expected to hit over 5.3 million of the lowest paid people across the UK and thousands of people in Edinburgh.

The change was announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his last budget as Chancellor last year but comes into force as of today. The tax increase will affect those earning less than £18,500 and not receiving tax credits.

Liberal Democrat MPs opposed the change and have proposed a package of tax changes, including a 4p cut in the basic rate of income tax, paid for increases in green taxes and taxes on the super rich.

Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh North and Leith, Kevin Lang said, "For thousands of some of the lowest paid people in Edinburgh, the doubling of their income tax by this Labour Government will be no late April fool's joke. Worst of all, the increase in tax comes at the worst of all times, with higher energy bills and increasing food prices. Labour's tax hike will hit those who can least afford it and comes at a time when they will feel it hardest. Labour should be ashamed of themselves.

"It is time to end the inherent unfairness in Labour's tax system, which means the poorest pay a greater share of their income in tax than the richest. The Liberal Democrats would start by decreasing the basic rate of income tax by 4p, benefiting thousands of people throughout Edinburgh who are on low and fixed incomes, paid for by increasing taxes on pollution and ending the tax loopholes exploited by the super rich."