A Message from the Chancellor!

Hello

We have taken decisive action for an extraordinary time. We've outlined a clear choice for the British people; a choice between real action now - or no help at all.

Yesterday's Pre-Budget Report announces real help for people during difficult times:

action now to help businesses and families with a one year cut in VAT of 2.5% - putting a £12.4bn boost into the economy increasing household income next year by;
giving every basic rate taxpayer £145 extra (up from £120 this year)
giving every pensioner £60 in January
increasing child benefit to £20/week in January instead of April
increasing child tax credit by £75 a year in April above indexation
providing more loans for small businesses and allowing them to spread their tax bills on a timetable they can afford
£1.3bn extra help for job centres to get people back to work, and a 3 month moratorium from the major lenders on repossessions for homeowners who get into arrears
bringing forward £3bn of capital projects including on housing repairs and insulation, school extensions, GP refurbishments and transport improvements to provide jobs right now when the economy is under pressure.

You can read full details about the Pre-Budget Report here>>

Labour's vision is of a fair future for all. Fair rules, fair chances, and a fair say for everyone.

By helping people and putting money into the economy we can come out of these difficult times sooner and stronger.

Quite simply the economic cost of inaction is too great.

There is a consensus around the world on the need to act. Only in the Conservative Party are they saying we should no nothing. They would sit back and watch as the recession became longer and deeper.

We're providing real help now because unlike the Conservatives we won't turn our backs on families and businesses at the time they need it most.

Best wishes

Alistair Darling MP Chancellor