42,970 people in South Lakeland see their tax bills cut - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today welcomed the news that 39,400 working people have received a tax cut in South Lakeland and that 3,390 people have been taken out of paying income tax altogether.

As experts study the detail of last week's Autumn Statement, there is more good news for local workers. The personal allowance was due to rise from £8,105 in the current tax year to £9,205 in 2013-14, but the Chancellor announced that it would now increase by £1,335 in April 2013 - £235 more than previously announced - so no tax will be paid on earnings of less than £9,440. This move will take an additional 250,000 low earners out of the tax all together.

Around Cumbria many more people have gained from the Lib Dem's flagship policy:

• In Eden 2,200 people will be removed from paying tax altogether and 18,700 people will receive a tax cut.
• In Barrow 3,420 people will be removed from paying tax altogether and 25,600 people will receive a tax cut.
• In Carlisle 4,190 people will be removed from paying tax altogether and 43,200 will receive a tax cut.
• In Copeland 1,810 people will be removed from paying tax altogether and 16,700 people will receive a tax cut.

Tim said: "We live in an area which boasts one of the lowest unemployment levels in the country; however a huge proportion of those employed here are living on relatively low wages. With a local average salary of less than £24,000, changing the tax threshold is putting a great deal back into the pocket of South Lakes workers! Helping cut the taxes of thousands of hard working people will make a massive difference."