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Saving Gateway Accounts Bill

I am disappointed with the Government’s approach. It means that savings, which are a good thing and should be promoted throughout society, will be restricted to those whom the Government have within the tax credit or benefits net and are therefore dependent on the state. The Minister has quoted some higher rates of take-up, but there are also low rates of take-up; some groups do not want to be regarded as benefit recipients, whether it is called a tax credit or a benefit; there is no getting away from that. Because they refuse to become dependent on the state for their income, they will be denied access to the saving gateway scheme. The approach being adopted by the Government is regrettable and I shall consider it further before Report. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 7 withdrawn.