The devil's in the detail with this week's Budget, says Exeter Lib Dem MP Candidate

Will Aczel, Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Exeter, said:

"The devil's in the detail with this week's Budget

"By freezing thresholds for both National Insurance and income tax in the face of high inflation, we pay hundreds MORE each year through stealth taxes. The average worker is set to pay £400 more tax this year and next.

"Lib Dems are calling for business rate reform so they're fair for the long-term, bringing back the Industrial Strategy, and breaking-down barriers to trade.

"It is welcome the Chancellor gave in to Lib Dem pressure to cancel the £4.7bn real-terms cut in NHS funding this year. However, NHS funding still remains flat in real-terms. This charade feels like taking with one hand and giving with the other. It's evident the Conservatives don't have any substantial plan for healthcare - despite record waiting lists.

"There was nothing to address the social care crisis. Whereas, Lib Dems have a £5bn plan for free personal care.

"The windfall tax loophole means oil and gas giants can write off over 90%. It's high time for a proper windfall tax, and to cancel the tax cut for big banks too.

"Freezing fuel duty whilst hiking rail fares above inflation shows the Conservatives don't care about people on low incomes or tackling the climate crisis. Where are the incentives for public transport? Why not properly incentivise and unlock green investment to become a green energy superpower again as we were with the Lib Dems?

"The Budget offers huge potential to set our country on the right track, but the government has failed yet again.

"Inflation is still crippling, public services are on their knees, and pollution still pervades.

"What I hear time and time again on the doorstep is people fed up with the financial mismanagement by the Conservatives nationally and Labour locally. It's high time for real change.

"The Lib Dems have a plan for a fair deal."

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