No to VAT increase

I joined Labour party members and Chorlton community activists lobbying John Leech MP at his advice bureau at Chorlton Library on Friday the 16th July. We wanted to persuade the MP to vote against the Con Dem government’s proposal to increase VAT to 20% from January 2011.

During the general election campaign the Lib Dems campaigned against a VAT increase, but now they are proposing to support the government’s planned increase. VAT is an unfair tax as it hits the poorest people hardest.

Many local residents signed our petition against the VAT increase and are appalled that the Lib Dems are supporting it. This is one reason why many local residents have recently joined the Labour Party. I hope John Leech is listening to his constituents.

Earlier in the week I was listening to Chorlton residents at the Chorlton Community Forum held in Chorlton Library. Residents were able to raise their concerns about local issues with the police, council officers and local councillors. Issues raised included swimming for over 50s, graffiti removal, biodiversity and planning matters. Another Community Forum will be held in the autumn.