Gordon Banks MP welcomes a Budget for Stability and Opportunity

17 March 2008

Gordon Banks, Labour MP for Ochil & South Perthshire, has welcomed the Chancellor’s Budget as a commitment to economic stability, opportunity and security for all.

The 2008 Budget set out key measures to help lift 250,000 children out of poverty, and an extra boost of £50 to over 60’s households and £100 for over 80’s households on top of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Mr Banks said:

“The Budget is great news for pensioners, families and children.

“Over 9 million households nationwide and almost 6,000 households in the Ochil & South Perthshire constituency will get extra cash to pay their heating bills this year.

“And over 11,000 families in this area will gain from the increases in Child Benefit.

“I welcome the Budget focus on tackling two of the big issues of today - child poverty and climate change. Under Labour, we have had 10 years of economic stability and growth – let’s not put that at risk.”

“The focus on child poverty is to commended. Labour has lifted 600,000 children out of poverty and are now in the process of doing more. No other political party can match our record or even our commitment.”
“The budget was also broadly welcomed by Business and this Government has gone further to aid small businesses, such as an additional £60m for the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme. “
“The Government has also pledged to keep the Capital Gains Tax pegged at 10% for small firms.