Truss to put families first in tax Overhaul

LIZ Truss promised tax breaks for families will be a “top priority” if she becomes Prime Minister – starting with National Insurance.

- Macer Hall

The Foreign Secretary proposed a major overhaul of tax rules yesterday, to ease the financial burden on parents who take time off to look after children.

And people who stay at home to care for older relatives could also benefit.

Speaking in Peterborough, Cambs, on the first full day of campaigning in her tussle with Rishi Sunak to succeed Boris Johnson, Ms Truss said: “I’m going to reverse the increase in National Insurance.

“I didn’t support it in Cabinet in the first place and I think it’s wrong to be putting a burden on hard-working families in what is a very difficult time.”

She added: “We will review the taxation of families to ensure people aren’t penalised for taking time out to care for their children or elderly relatives.”

Ms Truss also vowed a “temporary moratorium” on the green levy, which would save people money on their energy bills.

Asked whether she would also cut fuel duty, she said: “I’m not going to write the whole first Budget now...but what I can say is that we need to reduce the tax burden.

“It’s the highest level it’s been for 70 years. If we have rises in corporation tax as is currently being planned, that will put off people investing in Britain and that will make it harder to attract the businesses we need to drive the economy.”