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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 6 April 2010.

Poverty Gap

Question
My Lords, is the Minister proud of the fact that his Government have spent 13 years creating a situation where people on incomes between £100 and £200 a week are effectively paying marginal rates of tax as a result of tax and loss of benefits of 95 per cent? How can he describe that as progressive reform?
Answer

My Lords, I would simply not describe it as progressive reform. That is an exception. As the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth of Drumlean, knows, we have clearly lifted most of the poorest people in society out of any taxation at all. Of that I am proud. I will fight to ensure that that remains the case and is not removed by a Tory Administration.

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
718 c1357 
Session
2009-10
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Distribution Poverty Wealth
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk