Changes to the Budget Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Changes to the Budget

Simon Hughes Excerpts
Monday 11th June 2012

(11 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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They apply to all denominations, but to provide further clarity we made it clear that we would change the level of grant available under the listed places of worship scheme to reflect the need; after consultation with the Churches, we have increased that number, but there is no change to the tax law relating to VAT for listed places of worship.

Simon Hughes Portrait Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) (LD)
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Let me reassure the Minister that Liberal Democrats welcome the change both to the pasty tax and the caravan tax. [Interruption.] We would also have liked a third change—to keep the top rate of income tax, but we did not win that argument. Will the Minister join me and make sure that all Ministers turn up the volume—[Interruption.]

John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. This is most discourteous. We must hear the voice of Bermondsey and Old Southwark— Mr Simon Hughes.

Simon Hughes Portrait Simon Hughes
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Will the Minister ensure that all Ministers turn up the volume to get over the central message of the Budget, which is that over 20 million pay less tax and millions pay no tax at all? Clearly, some people have not heard it yet.

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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This coalition Government are proud of the fact that we are taking 2 million people out of income tax and cutting the tax for 24 million basic rate taxpayers.