LIBERAL Democrats in Bury have called for a cut in income tax for people on low and middle incomes to help them beat the recession. 

“Inflation is at its highest for years,” said Vic D’Albert, Parliamentary spokesperson for Bury South. “Residents of Bury are struggling with rising fuel and housing costs. They need money in their pockets now. 

“Liberal Democrats are calling for a cut in income tax of 4p in the pound. It will be paid for by closing the loopholes used by the most wealthy to avoid paying tax. And we will increase the level of tax on the most polluting activities. 

“Too many people are faced with the appalling prospect of either eating properly or heating their homes. Action is needed now to help residents of Bury who are struggling with rising prices. 

“Many residents on low incomes are paying more in tax following the government’s decision to double the starting rate of income tax to 20p in the pound. Though the government was eventually forced to come forward with a package to compensate people for the tax increase, many are still worse off. 

“Cutting income tax will therefore give residents and our local economy a boost at a time when it is desperately needed.”

LIBERAL Democrats in Bury have backed plans to help small businesses survive the looming recession. The plan by the party to boost businesses was launched by leader Nick Clegg and the party’s Shadow Chancellor Vince Cable. The plan includes: 

• a substantial cut in interest rates to lower the cost of loans and investment;

• immediately overhauling the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme to improve government support for business loans;

• banks which receive government financial assistance adopting a new code of conduct on rearranging business credit and overdrafts;

• developing with energy companies an assistance package for small businesses struggling with high energy bills

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy here in Bury,” said Vic D’Albert, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Bury South. “It is vital that we give them a fighting chance to get through the recession. 

“The government has given a massive bailout to the banks. But ministers must now look at the bigger economy. Small businesses here in Bury, and throughout the country generally, are suffering from the downturn. Profits are being squeezed and jobs are at risk. 

“A big cut in interest rates will be a big boost to many local businesses and could mean the difference between staying open or closing down.

“Nick Clegg and Vince Cable have taken the lead with their plan to help businesses and I am giving it my full backing.”

“As someone that has had experience of running a small business in Bury I know how hard it can be and how susceptible small businesses are to changes in economic fortunes. That’s why I would urge the Government to take on board our proposals and offer as much support to small businesses as possible. We cannot afford to do nothing, the Government must act.”