Fresh plea but no new cash to Grenfell victims
Labour fury at McDonnell Tory tax cut pledge
John McDonnell JOHN McDonnell sparked a furious Labour row saying he will keep Tory tax cuts for the UK’s richest people.
The Shadow Chancellor yesterday revealed he will not reverse Budget plans for more generous Income Tax allowances if Labour wins power.
But despite criticism from Labour MPs and Andy Burnham, the party’s mayor of Greater Manchester, he stood by his position.
Mr McDonnell said: “We’re not going to take money out of people’s pockets: simple as that.”
He added: “We’ll introduce a fair taxation system and on that basis be able to fund our public services.”
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s changes will hand £130 a year to those earning more than £12,500.
But changes to the 40p tax rate threshold will save the richest 13% of Brits £730 a year. Grenfell Tower fire GRENFELL survivors received nothing in the Budget, despite a plea for up to £60million in extra help.
Last year, Philip Hammond granted £28million to help pay for mental health and counselling services, and regeneration in the West London neighbourhood.
But there was no new money on Monday to help with the aftermath of the 2017 disaster which left 71 dead, hundreds homeless and many more needing trauma support.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) reportedly sought up to £60million for its Grenfell Recovery Strategy, for health support, housing and to refurbish the surrounding estate.
Elizabeth Campbell, Tory RBKC council leader, said: “We’ll continue to ask for financial support and hope discussions will continue.”