Crisis over
23rd April, 2008
Well, the Labour rebellion has been called off after a “compensation” package for those hit by the scrapping on the 10p income tax rate was agreed.
Crucially, it will be backdated to April – a major sticking point in the negotiations.
Will Gordon Brown be damaged? In the short term, he will; but with 45 backbenchers signed up to Frank Field’s rebel amendment, the cost of not coming to an agreement could have been far greater.
I’ve just been speaking to one of the potential rebels, Janet Anderson.
“Politicians too often are reluctant to hold their hands up when they get things wrong, and to say sorry, I will put it right,” she said. “Gordon has listened.”
Abolishing the 10p tax rate was viewed as a regressive tax reform that would hit the lowest paid families. The congestion charge is equally as regressive a form of taxation and a vote loser to boot. I wonder how many Labour MP’s and Councillors really support the con charge?
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:16 pm
In response Sean, I remember a Droylsden councillor compalining at a council meeting that his residents were against the charge and were applying pressure on him – pitty I can’t remember his name. Either way, all Labour councillors voted for the TIF bid… and so did the Tories!
April 24th, 2008 at 11:34 am