Budget a 'desperate deception' as families in North Devon face poverty

North Devon's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Ian Roome, has labelled the Chancellor's budget announcement today a ‘desperate deception’, with income tax bills still set to rise for residents. 

North Devon's Liberal Democrats have said local residents will see through this ‘deception’ by the Chancellor and that people don't want more ‘empty promises' from this Conservative government while ‘local health services are left on their knees’. 

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for North Devon, Ian Roome said: "I am deeply disappointed by the Conservative Spring budget's failure to address the pressing needs of Ilfracombe, which is one of the most impoverished areas in Devon.

“It is disheartening to see such a glaring disparity, with Canary Wharf receiving £242 million while rural North Devon receives nothing.
 
“As the Leader of North Devon Council, I have advocated for a £24 million investment in Ilfracombe to prevent further economic decline. Once again, rural North Devon has been neglected in favour of urban areas like London.

“I urge the Parliamentary-Under Secretary of State for Levelling Up to consider our request in the coming weeks. By doing so, we can collaborate as a council to enact meaningful change in Ilfracombe."

"This budget will barely touch the sides for families and pensioners around here, who are facing soaring mortgage bills while the cost of the weekly shop goes through the roof. 

Mr Roome added: "People in North Devon know that their tax bills will remain sky high after this budget, and the Chancellor is attempting a desperate deception after years of income tax hikes. 

"People don't want more Conservative empty promises while our local health services are left on their knees. They want proper change through a General Election so we can kick this Conservative government out of office."