Chris urges MP to abandon support of abolition of 10p tax rate

A CAMPAIGNER has issued an appeal to his Labour MP to reconsider his support for the controversial abolition of the 10p rate of tax.

Chris Skidmore has written to the MP for the Kingswood constituency, urging him to review his support for the Government's decision to axe the 10p income tax band.

The 11 th hour plea comes just days before a crucial debate on the controversial issue is held in the House of Commons.

The L abour Government is currently facing a backbench rebellion over the axing of the tax rate, as MPs return after a two week break.

Although the Treasury has hinted there could be measures to help low earners who are worse off, they will not be implemented for several months - if at all.

On Sunday the chancellor, Alistair Darling, ruled out a U-turn on axing the 10p tax rate, saying it would be "totally irresponsible" to "unravel...or rewrite" the Budget.

In response Chris Skidmore, the Prospective Conservative MP for Kingswood, has written to the Labour MP, urging him to reconsider his support for the abolition of the 10p rate of tax.

In the letter, Chris highlights the fact that the move will see five million people nationwide, who earn less than £18,500 a year, lose out.

Chris said that poorer families could lose up to £464 a year under the move, with those in key professions will see a cut in the wages they bring home.

With nursery nurses losing up to £154 a year, library clerks £203 a year, home carers £157 a year and catering assistants £161 a year, people across the constituency will be "desperately affected" by the move, he said.

In his letter, Chris said: "I am writing to ask you to reconsider your support for the abolition of the 10p rate of tax that has recently come into force and to stand up for the hardest hit hard working families of Kingswood who will lose out under your government's decision to scrap the rate with effect from April 2008.

"As I am sure you are aware, MPs will get a chance to vote on the abolition of the 10p rate of tax during the current Finance Bill. MPs will vote on the issue on Monday 21 st April, when the bill gets a second reading, and on Monday 28 th April, when MPs are due to debate amendments dealing with the 10p issue.

" One of your colleagues, Frank Field MP, has also said that he will be tabling an amendment halting the abolition of the 10p rate until the government had taken steps to compensate the losers.

"I urge you to reconsider your decision to support the abolition of the 10p rate of tax, and when this issue is debated in Parliament on Monday, support any amendments that will ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable in society are better off, and the hard working people of Kingswood are given the support they deserve."

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