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10th October 2007

MEETING THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE OF BURNLEY

Kitty Ussher MP hails Government’s plans to invest more in vital public services in Burnley

Local MP Kitty Ussher today welcomed the public spending and tax plans set out by Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Kitty said,

“These plans show that Labour understands the aspirations of the people of Burnley and Padiham and will make a real difference to the lives of local families and pensioners.”

“It’s vital that we continue to invest in our public services here in Burnley. That’s why I’m pleased these plans give more money to local schools so that all of our kids can get a decent start in life. “

“The extra investment in the NHS will mean that waiting times can be reduced further to 18 weeks, as Labour promised, and we can have better access to GP services. There’s also further funding for our neighbourhood policing teams to make Burnley a safer place to live”

The Burnley MP continued: “The Government can set out these ambitious plans only because Labour has built a strong economy over the past ten years with firm control over inflation and growing job opportunities. What a difference from when the Tories were in power. Inflation was nearly 10 per cent, mortgages soared to 15% and unemployment hit 3 million people.”

Turning to taxation, Kitty Ussher MP said:

“We have to pay taxes to pay for public services but it’s important that people feel that the tax system is fair. We need to do more to help less well off families in Burnley. The Government’s commitment to raise Child Tax Credits well above inflation next April will give them a more secure future. Labour’s commitment to raising the Pension Credit minimum guarantee to £124 for single pensioners and £189 for pensioner couples from next April will help them too.”

“The Government’s bold plans to change the way Inheritance Tax works also means a couple will now be able to leave twice as much to their children before they pay tax – that’s £600,000 and that will rise to £700,000 from April 2009.”

Kitty Ussher MP concluded: “I believe that the people of Burnley want not only a more prosperous future but a fairer one too. Labour’s plans deliver on all counts.”

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