15,586 Harrogate & Knaresborough pensioners are set to be hit with a £15,585,683 stealth tax following the Budget, new analysis by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Research by the Resolution Foundation think tank has found pensioners are set to lose out from this week’s Budget. This is due to the Conservative government’s decision to freeze income tax thresholds, which will lead to a £8 billion tax bombshell for pensioners across the country by 2027-28, or an average of £1,000 each.

Further analysis by the Liberal Democrats suggests this will impact on the estimated 15,586 pensioners in Harrogate & Knaresborough who pay income tax.

Harrogate & Knaresborough Liberal Democrats have said that this showed the Conservative Party has “abandoned” pensioners who are already struggling to pay the bills.

The Liberal Democrats were the first party to commit in full to the triple lock for the upcoming election, which ensures pensions will see an increase by whichever is highest of average earnings growth, CPI inflation, or 2.5%.

Liberal Democrats have called on the government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance to offer extra help to pensioners, paid for by a proper windfall tax on the oil and gas companies.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Harrogate & Knaresborough, Tom Gordon said:

“Pensioners who have worked hard and paid taxes all their lives are now being punished by this Conservative government with a £1,000 stealth tax.

“Many elderly people are already struggling to make ends meet as heating bills and the cost of the weekly shop go through the roof. Even Harrogate & Knaresborough are not immune to the realities of the Conservative mismanagement of the economy and country. 

"Just this week, when out speaking with local residents on the doorstep, I have had more than one pensioner answer their doors with their coats on because they can’t afford to put the heating on. Now these Conservative tax hikes will only pile on the misery. 

“The Liberal Democrats are proud of our record of introducing the triple lock to protect people’s pensions. 

"We will stand up for the pensioners in our community who have been cruelly abandoned by the Conservatives, including by calling on the Government to double the Winter Fuel Allowance.”