Esher and Walton’s Lib Dems condemn “chaotic and incompetent” budget

Esher and Walton Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative Government of “incompetence and chaos” after the Autumn Statement saw stealth tax hikes and cuts to services for people living in Esher and Walton. The Chancellor’s measures come in the wake of economic turmoil following the “mini-budget” which saw mortgage rates spike to unexpected levels. 

Residents in Esher & Walton will be particularly hit by the Government’s plans to freeze tax thresholds which will create 3.2 million new taxpayers and drag a further 2 million people into the 40% tax bracket.  The figures from the independent Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) show that real household incomes will fall by 4.3% in 2023 (the highest on record) and by a further 2.8% in 2024.

Despite the Chancellor’s claims that this was a Russian made recession, this is a recession of the Government’s making. Alongside the disastrous mini budget, the OBR figures also show that the country’s economy is 4% smaller because of the bad Brexit deal with the EU. 

Commenting on the Government’s Autumn Statement, Monica Harding, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for Esher and Walton said:

“This is the cost of chaos budget. Everyone is being forced to pay the price for this Conservative government’s incompetence. 

“People in Esher and Walton are being asked to pick up the bill for the Conservative Party’s appalling management of the economy.  As a consequence, hardworking people face a triple whammy of falling incomes, the biggest tax hikes in 70 years, and cuts to our public services for years to come.

“This is an out of touch Government which has no plan to help people in Esher and Walton with their bills.”