Tax and benefit changes
Posted by Claire Ward, MP for Watford, at 08:34, Tue 7 April 2009:
News from Claire Ward MP for Watford
For immediate release April 6 2009
Tax changes today mean Real Help for thousands
Watford MP , Claire Ward, has welcomed changes in a range of state benefits and tax cuts which will bring much needed relief to thousands of families across England.
From this month child tax credits will increase by £150 a year and working tax credits by £90 a year.
Basic rate taxpayers will get a tax cut worth £145 a year helping two and half thousand people in this region.
And for anyone expecting their first child there is a new "Health in Pregnancy Grant" worth £190 for mums-to-be. This means extra support for 68 000 women in the South East.
The state pension is going up by £4.55 to £95.25 from April, helping to offset costs for nearly 17,000 pensioners .
The Government have also increased the Pension Credit to £130 a week for single pensioners and £198 for couples .
With the cold winter, it was more important than ever that this year there was a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 for the over 60s and £400 for those over 80.
Ms Ward said:"I am determined that families in my constituency will not be left to cope on their own. If you or a loved one loses their job, there will be support from day one. People will not be left behind like they were in previous recessions. There is now practical help if you lose your job with one to one support and advice and free new training courses available.
"We are also working with mortgage lenders to stop repossessions in the current climate. And there is a new Mortgage Protection scheme, so mortgage payments can be changed to make paying the bills easier.
"I'm proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour's policies, but especially so during these tough times. This cash boost will make a real difference to families throughout Hertfordshire."
ENDS
Contact: Parliamentary office: 020 7219 4910
Website: www.claire-ward.org.uk
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