THE POOREST IN OUR SOCIETY MUST NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE RICHEST! - DONALDSON

11.17.20pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Apr 2005

Iain Donaldson, Liberal Democrat PPC for Manchester Blackley

In response to a request from a national campaign group, Liberal Democrat PPC for Manchester Blackley, Iain Donaldson, has refused to sign a pledge calling for no increase in the tax burden.

Iain Donaldson stated that "Unfortunately I cannot sign up to the tax pledge because a Liberal Democrat government if elected at this General Election will have one tax rise of increasing the rate of tax on income earned over £100,000 to 50%.

"Were I to sign the tax pledge I would have to vote against the abolition of tuition fees, free personal care for the elderly and holding down local taxation, all issues that are great concern to the residents of North Manchester.

"The Liberal Democrats believe in fairness in taxation and believe it is unfair that currently the poorest 20% of people in the UK pay more in tax as a percentage of their income then the richest 20%.

"This is why we would also abolish Council Tax and replace it with a Local Income Tax based on people's ability to pay.

"Under the Liberal Democrats the typical household would be £450 better off."

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