Local politicians gave a mixed response to yesterday’s UK Government budget announcement.
Chancellor George Osborne revealed that income tax threshold would be raised to £10,000 and beer duty cut by 1p a pint, but also that the UK’s economic growth forecast had halved.
Conservative MSP John Lamont claimed the budget would benefit Borderers, in particular the cancellation of the fuel duty rise.
“This will make it cheaper for the many motorists we have in the Borders to run their car, which I know will be a huge help to many,” he added.
“This budget has also helped with the costs of living, while a further increase in the personal allowance will benefit millions of taxpayers in Scotland and lift 23,000 people out of income tax altogether.”
But Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, said Mr Osborne was a failing chancellor.
She told us: “This is a chancellor who has now halved his growth predictions for the economy from only four months ago, and has failed those who need help with his swathing cuts on disability benefits and the bedroom tax.
“This is a chancellor Scotland does not need.”
Borders MP Michael Moore said: “This measure means that thousands of Borderers will receive a further tax cut next year, on top of the tax cuts they have already received since 2010, totalling £700. It will put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Borderers.”