Renfrewshire Liberal Democrats respond to Autumn Budget

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Jack Clark has responded to the Autumn Budget, welcoming investment in the NHS as called for by Liberal Democrats, but expressing concern over increases to National Insurance. 

Responding to the UK budget, Scottish Liberal Democrat campaigner Jack Clark said:

“I’m glad that the Chancellor has listened to Liberal Democrat calls for more investment in the NHS. Here in Scotland we will keep pressure on the Scottish Government to ensure that extra resources are directed at giving people fast access to NHS services, like local GPs and dentists, while alleviating the crisis in mental health.

On the government’s increase to employers’ National Insurance, he added:

“It is very concerning to see the Chancellor repeat a number of the Conservatives’ mistakes today. Raising employer’s National Insurance is a tax on jobs and high streets.

“Instead of raising the money we need by reversing Conservative tax cuts for the big banks, or asking the social media and tech giants to pay a bit more, the Chancellor has chosen unfair tax hikes that will hurt the hard-working families, small businesses and family farms that are the engines of our economy.

"It is only right that those who can afford to pay, do so. Liberal Democrats in Westminster and in Holyrood will continue to fight for the fair deal that people across Scotland deserve."