PLYMOUTH SHOPPERS CALL FOR TAX CUT ON SAVINGS

The Chairman and an Executive member of Plymouth Pensioners' Forum joined Plymouth Sutton & Devonport Conservatives on Saturday morning in the City Centre to campaign for a tax cut on savings – especially for pensioners.

The 400 signature petition from shoppers all across the City will be presented to Plymouth’s Conservative Shadow Minister and East Devon MP, Hugo Swire, early next week at the House of Commons shortly before the Chancellor of the Exchequer unveils his 2009 budget.

“We were overwhelmed by people from all over the City wanting to sign the petition.  Cuts to interest rates and savings have left pensioners facing really tough times.  Despite saving for their old age without seeking benefits, pensioners are being hit very hard” said Oliver Colvile – Plymouth Sutton & Devonport’s Conservative Parliamentary spokesman.

“We want action from the Government. The Conservative’s proposals to abolish income tax on savings for basic rate taxpayers and raise pensioners’ personal allowance by £2000 to £11,490 will most certainly help,” Mary Lacey, the Chairman of Plymouth Pensioners’ Forum said after the morning session.

“This initiative by Oliver Colvile and the Conservative team needs to be seriously considered by Alaistair Darling and Gordon Brown.  I just hope they will stop ignoring Plymouth’s pensioners” Executive member of the Forum, Fred Brimacombe added.