Making the Green Tax Switch

Written by Andrew Duff and published in Mid Suffolk News on Wed 3rd Jan 2007

Lib Dems are campaigning across Suffolk and the East of England for their Green Tax Switch - helping people into jobs while combating climate change.

In brief, we would cut taxes on labour and increase taxes on things that pollute. Our plan is for a two pence cut in income tax to be paid for by raising taxes on things that pollute the environment, including the aviation sector. The overall burden of taxation will be revenue neutral.

I have always wanted the UK to be in the forefront of European environmental policy. Unfortunately, until now, we have lagged badly behind our partners in implementing EU policies to conserve energy, cut waste and develop carbon friendly fuels. I thoroughly recommend the new Lib Dem plan to introduce intelligent and efficient methods to reach EU targets on cutting carbon emissions. They are based on best EU practice.

Tax incentives to save energy and cut pollution are the right way forward. Under Lib Dem plans, those who cause most environmental damage will pay most tax. Revenues from eco-taxes will allow us to cut income tax. We will also raise the minimum threshold at which people start paying income tax.

So it's a win-win policy: fair, simple and green - and European.