WLD Influence on Tax Policy

4.57.10pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Apr 2009

WLD Tax Workshop

We are thrilled that the major policy proposed by WLD at the Policy Day in January has now been announced by Nick Clegg as party policy. We proposed that the Income Tax threshold should be raised to the minimum wage level to allow working people to keep more of their wages. Nick has said that the Lib Dems would raise the threshold to £10,000 which would mean everyone who earns £10,000 or more would be £705. a year better off. This will particularly benefit many women who are often amongst the lowest earners.

We have always been proud that our party listens to those at the grassroots and here is the proof. The policy to align the tax threshold to the minimum wage was proposed by Lizzie Jewkes, a member of our Exec who had discussed the idea with Vince Cable when he visited her Regional Conference. The proposal was given overwhelming support at the policy day and was also supported by Jo Swinson MP and Lynne Featherstone MP among others. Lizzie also approached Nick Clegg who assured her the proposal has his support and now it has become party policy.

Claire Jackson, Chair, WLD