Families will still lose out – Tories
Apr 25 2008 by William Green, The Journal
LABOUR’S local election build-up took another knock yesterday as Tories claimed more than 134,000 North East residents will lose from the 10p tax rate abolition, despite promised compensation.
Conservatives said the 10p tax row had been “fantastic” for their May 1 elections campaign and warned just 80,119 of an estimated 214,605 families in the region losing out would benefit from a Government assistance scheme.
The claims came as Chancellor Alistair Darling yesterday repeatedly refused to confirm if the whole package to compensate losers from the 10p tax band abolition would be backdated to April 1.
Tory local government spokesman Eric Pickles said Labour supporters were switching sides in “spectacular” fashion as Gordon Brown’s deal to help low-paid workers was falling apart. He added he was very positive about North Tyneside and Sunderland councils – but refused to make specific predictions, instead suggesting his party was getting traction and rebuilding in the region. Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg blasted Gordon Brown for only offering “smoke and mirror” assistance to millions of low-paid workers.
And he expressed hope for a very good showing on the new Northumberland unitary council amid claims Labour could lose control of the county amid the 10p rate debacle.
Berwick Lib Dem MP Alan Beith said: “I am very hopeful that we will be the largest party on the new council but I would like us to achieve a majority.”
Labour Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who has campaigned on the 10p tax issue, said he hoped compensation would be fully backdated to April but warned it would be a tough election for his party.
“The commitment is to make sure that nobody loses out, that the groups that have lost out are being looked after properly. And we will do everything we can to make this happen,” added Mr Anderson.
He is now writing to the Chancellor asking for more clarity on his proposals to deal with those who have lost out from the 10p rate abolition.
The developments came after Mr Darling promised to ensure the “average losses” will be “offset for this year” in the package announced on Wednesday to head off a shattering Labour mutiny.
His comments came after Treasury Chief Secretary Yvette Cooper appeared to claim only help for pensioners under 65 would be backdated.
MILIBAND’S MESSAGE
DAVID Miliband yesterday insisted Labour was campaigning hard to get its message across to voters.
The Foreign Secretary and South Shields MP said Labour continued to support hard-working families with many people in the North East benefiting from tax credits, the minimum wage alongside the winter fuel allowance and pensioner credits for older people.
Young people were also getting the best start in life through improving childcare and rebuilding schools, said Mr Miliband.
He added: "I have been out canvassing with Labour candidates who are campaigning hard in their wards to get the message across that Labour councils offer the best value for money, quality services.
"Residents have mainly been talking about local issues and the standard of services they want to receive from their local councils. Labour continues to deliver good quality, value for money services and facilities."
