Middle Britain thousands of pounds poorer since recession, ONS figures show

date: 18 March 2013

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on new figures published today (Monday) by the Office for National Statistics showing the financial state of middle-income households since 1977, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'These figures show the real cost of the UK's living standards crisis for middle Britain, with households thousands of pounds poorer today than five years ago.

'But rather than helping families, the government's real-terms cut in welfare support next month will make them even poorer.

'The Chancellor can start putting right this damage in his Budget on Wednesday by cutting VAT, which will save households hundreds of pounds a year. TUC research shows this is the most effective way to help low and middle-income households.

'Cutting VAT and reversing welfare cuts, rather than reducing corporation tax or raising the personal allowance again, would show that the Chancellor is prioritising the living standards of middle Britain over big business and rich households.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- The ONS figures are available at www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171776_303386.pdf

- The TUC report A Bleak Future For Families which looks at the impact of VAT and the personal allowance on household incomes is available at www.tuc.org.uk/Bleakfutureforfamilies

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @tucnews

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