Tim Farron has called on those with the biggest pockets to pay their share in response to the Chancellor’s refusal to rule out manifesto-breaking tax rises yesterday.
The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale made the comments following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ pre-Budget speech yesterday morning.
Ms Reeves’ speech was given to set ‘context’ ahead of the Budget on November 26, she said.
Asked about the pre-Budget speech, Mr Farron said: “The Chancellor is right to say that this government inherited a complete mess after appalling mismanagement of the country’s finances by the Conservative Party.”
“However, I’m afraid to say that the situation facing the country has only got worse following some of the awful decisions made by Rachel Reeves – especially the move to increase National Insurance Contributions for employers.
“The Government can’t keep punishing households, high streets and hospices while big banks, gambling companies and social media giants don't pay their fair share.”
Alongside not ruling out tax increases, the Chancellor also warned against the UK relying too heavily on borrowing.
Furthermore, any increases to Income Tax, National Insurance, or VAT would break Labour’s General Election-winning manifesto pledge not to do so.
If Ms Reeves were to, for example, raise the basic rate of Income Tax, she would be the first Chancellor since 1975 to make such a move.
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