Mark warmly welcomed a host of new Government measures which came into force on 6th April, designed to help people across the UK through the economic downturn. These include

• a cut in the basic rate of tax
• increases in child tax credits and working tax credits
• a rise in the basic state pension
• a new grant for mums-to-be
• incentives for businesses to recruit extra staff
• stronger rights for people at work with the extension of the right to request flexible working and tougher enforcement of the minimum wage

Mark said:
“Taken together, these measures show the Government’s commitment not just to support people through the present downturn but to create a fairer Britain for the future.

“Much of the public focus has been on measures to stabilise the banking system but the Government has made it a priority to support ordinary people and in particular has targeted help at more vulnerable groups.

“Families, pensioners and others on low income will not be left to fend for themselves but are being offered real help now.”

Financial support

From April, the child element of child tax credits will rise by £150 a year and working tax credits by £90 a year.

A basic rate tax cut will also come into effect which will be worth £145 a year for 22 million tax payers.

The government is also increasing the value of the state pension, which will rise by £4.55 to £95.25 – the highest rise since 2001. At the same time Pension Credit will increase by £5.95 to £130 a week for single pensioners and £198 for couples.This is the largest rise in pension credit since it was created it in 2003.

As well as increasing existing help, the government is also introducing a new Health in Pregnancy Grant from this April. Mums-to-be will be entitled to a one-off, tax-free payment of £190. Everyone is bound to rethink their spending in the present climate but this new grant will help families expecting babies who inevitably face extra costs.

For more on the new grant, visit http://campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be

Help back into work

From April, businesses will be able to take advantage of up to £1000 in recruitment subsidies as an incentive to take on people who have been looking for work for six months or more.

Help at work

In addition to new financial support, the Government is also improving rights for people at work. The right to request flexible working will be extended to parents of children up to 16, benefiting an extra 4.5million parents. Employers can refuse but they will have to give a formal explanation for doing so.

There will also be automatic penalties for employers who are found to be paying less than the National Minimum Wage.

For information on different kinds of help already available, click here.