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25/03/2010
Budget Draws Election Lines
Chancellor Alistair Darling has come under fire for what the Opposition had called an "empty" pre-election Budget.
Shadow chancellor George Osborne said there is a lack of leadership on the economy. He also accused the Government of failing to show "vision" for the future.
Mr Darling has defended his Budget document, suggesting policies outlined were "bearing fruit" and that his party had been "right about the recovery".
He attacked Tory alternative plans, which he said would risk "tipping" the UK back into recession.
However, the Lib Dems have accused both Labour and the Opposition of being in "denial" over the public cuts necessary.
Mr Osborne has pledged to make his proposed spending forecasts public before the General Election.
He told GMTV: "I am going to try and get rid of this enormous debt by getting rid of wasteful government spending, not taxing hard-working people."
The Shadow chancellor suggested up to 30 million workers would face an effective tax hike, given changes to personal allowances.
Mr Darling argued that the tax thresholds are linked to inflation, which will be set at last September's negative rate. He also said the introduction would be frozen.
The Tories have insisted they will publish an emergency budget should they win power at the General Election.
Mr Osborne would present the document within 50 days of entering 11 Downing Street.
But asked if the Tories would reverse the freeze on personal allowances, Mr Osborne said: "I wouldn't be able to because it is going to happen before the general election."
(PR/BMcC)
Shadow chancellor George Osborne said there is a lack of leadership on the economy. He also accused the Government of failing to show "vision" for the future.
Mr Darling has defended his Budget document, suggesting policies outlined were "bearing fruit" and that his party had been "right about the recovery".
He attacked Tory alternative plans, which he said would risk "tipping" the UK back into recession.
However, the Lib Dems have accused both Labour and the Opposition of being in "denial" over the public cuts necessary.
Mr Osborne has pledged to make his proposed spending forecasts public before the General Election.
He told GMTV: "I am going to try and get rid of this enormous debt by getting rid of wasteful government spending, not taxing hard-working people."
The Shadow chancellor suggested up to 30 million workers would face an effective tax hike, given changes to personal allowances.
Mr Darling argued that the tax thresholds are linked to inflation, which will be set at last September's negative rate. He also said the introduction would be frozen.
The Tories have insisted they will publish an emergency budget should they win power at the General Election.
Mr Osborne would present the document within 50 days of entering 11 Downing Street.
But asked if the Tories would reverse the freeze on personal allowances, Mr Osborne said: "I wouldn't be able to because it is going to happen before the general election."
(PR/BMcC)
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