Chancellor's statement heralds a better deal for all

Partnership in power demands a government that listens and acts – and the Chancellor today announced a range of measures to help make 22 million people better off.

By raising the personal tax allowance by £600, those on middle to low incomes will receive an additional £120 per year. As an example, if you earn £13,355 – £19,355per year you will pay £120 a year less tax which is enough to compensate for the loss of the 10p rate. Only those on incomes of more than £41,435 per year will not see a benefit from the measures announced today.

The Tories have been wholly inconsistent in their approach; unable to say whether or not they support the reintroduction of the 10p rate. By listening to the concerns of people in the wake of difficult economic circumstances the government has shown its ability to listen, learn and lead.