Carmichael comments on ‘disappointing and desperate’ Budget
April 22, 2009 4:41 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats
Commenting to today's budget Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael MP said: "Today's budget failed the key tests that it needed to meet. It has done nothing to address the continuing unfairness in this country's taxation system or to help those families on low and middle incomes. It has done nothing to direct banks to start lending to businesses again, and it has left in place a meaningless and ineffective VAT cut that has cost billions of pounds but delivered nothing.
"Local people will be hit hard again by the fuel duty increase as it will rise again and we will see the reintroduction of the fuel escalator at a penny above inflation next year. Still the government fails to recognise and act on the unfairness of our communities paying more for petrol and diesel.Alistair Carmichael MP: Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
"The rise in debt announced by the Chancellor is incredibly alarming, with a deficit this year of £175bn it is now crucial we have a national debate about what the state can and cannot afford. The UK economy is set to shrink by at least 3.5% this year and with our economy being extra fragile, today's budget will do little to ease the worries of local people.
"It is noticeable that assistance for renewables is limited to offshore wind developments when the real opportunities lie with the development of tidal and wave power. More than anything else this illustrates that this Budget is a short term fix designed to get the Labour party through the next general election rather than meet the long term needs of Scotland and the UK."
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