Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 6th April print edition.
I know that the past few years have been difficult for people in Burton and Uttoxeter following the pandemic and Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. That is why it is so welcome that this month’s exciting package of tax cuts, pay increases and cost of living support will benefit so many people across Burton and Uttoxeter as the economy begins to turn a corner.
Tax cuts this month are placing £450 back into the pockets of the average worker on £35,400, saving them £900 alongside the Government’s tax cuts last year. Furthermore, the National Living Wage will increase this month to £11.44, an increase of 9.8 per cent for those on the lowest pay, equivalent to an annual pay boost of £1,800, or £150 a month, for 2.7 million workers.
The Government recognises that raising a child can be costly, and that is why it is cutting the High-Income Child Benefit Charge, putting up to £1,664 back into the pockets of hardworking families, alongside saving them money by freezing fuel duty.
Pensioners are in a unique position in that they cannot work to top up their income to cover the increased cost of living. That is why we are committed to the triple lock, supporting pensioners by guaranteeing that the state pension will never increase by less than inflation. Since 2010, when the Government introduced the triple lock, the state pension has increased by £5,700, £990 more than if it had just been uprated by inflation, assisting pensioners to live with dignity.
The long-term decisions taken by the Government have this month enabled an increase in the state pension, pay increases for those on the Living Wage, tax cuts for workers, tax cuts for families and a business rates freeze, delivering on our plan to create a brighter future for you, your family and those across Burton and Uttoxeter.
