Press Release: Spring Statement

Alan Brown MP slams Chancellor over budget.

The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has branded Rishi Sunak a ‘conman’ after his spring statement last week.

The Chancellor announced a rise in national insurance but promised to reduce income tax along with a 5p cut to fuel.

But Mr Brown feels the cut to fuel is a ‘con’ given the money generated through the national insurance hike.

He also slammed the UK Government on failing to tackle the cost of living crisis.

 Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:

“The Chancellor’s spring statement delivered nothing to address the largest fall in living standards since the 1950s.

“Instead of taking urgent action to reduce energy bills and protect the most vulnerable in our society, the Tory Government have done nothing to combat the cost of living crisis - and proved, yet again, that they are completely out of touch.

“In regards to the price of fuel, specifically, the 5p cut in fuel is nothing short of a con. Petrol is currently 40p more expensive than it was in March 2021, so the increase in VAT the Treasury receive more than pays for the 5p temporary cut. Actually, they have failed to put a dent in the current cost of living crisis and to boast about a “household fund” in England where people can apply for hardship money is Dickensian in thought process.

“On VAT this year with energy bills doubling he will receive well over £1bn from billpayers; I pointed out at parliament in November they predicted they will get £6bn extra in oil and gas revenues over the parliament – I am sure this is now an underestimate. Overall VAT income this financial year was £21bn more than predicted. It is a disgrace and he is a conman.

“They are building up a warchest for an election and future tax cuts while people are struggling in the here and now. It is so frustrating and I intend to keep reminding them of the additional money they should be using to support people.”

Mr Brown believes the introduction of a fuel duty regulator will provide more efficiency and a better long-term strategy.

He added:

“As opposed to these rash one-off decisions in and around Budget season, a regulator would provide a far better balance when costs skyrocket and equally when they reduce significantly when we have to consider our move away from fossil fuels.

“For some time, I have highlighted high oil prices; high fuel prices and high energy costs have meant that the UK Treasury has had an unexpected windfall from the extra levies, duties and VAT returns. Therefore, the least the Chancellor should do is use this money to offset the cost of living crisis.

"The Chancellor has said he can't do anything about poverty but of course he can. It is the choices he is making. Countries all over Europe are taking action to limit the energy price increases and once again the UK is the outlier.“