Lib Dem's new policy taxes pollution not people - Burstow

7.05.00am GMT Fri 22nd Sep 2006

Paul Burstow MP for Sutton and Cheam

MP for Sutton and Cheam Paul Burstow has spoken of his support for the Liberal Democrat's innovative new tax proposals. The Liberal Democrat Green Tax switch will encourage environmental responsibility while lifting 2 million of the poorest in society out of taxation altogether.

The Liberal Democrat conference voted for a radical change to the British tax system. Taxes on work will be shifted to taxes on pollution - protecting the environment and those households on the lowest incomes.

Under the Lib Dem proposals, those earning under £8,000 will pay no income tax at all, the basic rate of income tax will be cut by 2p and the top rate of 40p will only apply to those earning over £50,000.

Instead, the tax proposals would switch focus to areas currently causing the most damage to our environment, such as gas guzzling cars and half-empty flights, without raising the overall level of taxation.

Commenting on the proposals, Paul Burstow MP said: "Climate Change is the single biggest challenge facing us today - it affects everyone's future. I am proud that the Liberal Democrats are the first and only party to take serious action to tackle this vital issue.

"In addition, these tax proposals make the whole system not only greener but simpler and fairer to those who most need support. They reduce the tax burden on all by 2p and lift 2 million out of paying tax altogether.

"Green taxes will produce the behavioural changes needed to safeguard our environment without increasing the overall tax burden and ensuring that those who earn more bear a greater share of this burden."

Paul Burstow MP also spoke of his pride at the democratic nature of the debate and the conference itself: "Unlike either of the other two major parties, the Liberal Democrats had a real debate on this policy, and a vote that meant something. This sets our conference apart from those of either Labour or the Conservatives, by allowing the membership of our party the chance to vote on the substance of our policies."