Budget bombshell for 30,000 self-employed Cumbrians

Thirty thousand self-employed workers across Cumbria are bracing themselves for a tax hike averaging £240 per year following the Chancellor's Budget today. South Lakes MP Tim Farron has accused the government of targeting 'white van man' while cutting taxes for big corporations.

Changes to national insurance contributions will see 2.5million self-employed workers hit with an average tax hike of £240 per year. The latest figures show that there are 30,000 self-employed workers in Cumbria.

These changes were introduced despite an explicit promise in the Conservative manifesto not to increase national insurance contributions.

Tim said: "This Conservative government is giving tax cuts to the richest and tax rises for hard-working entrepreneurs. Targeting the self-employed by hitting white van man with a tax hike betrays Theresa May's pledge to help the just about managing.

"There are 30,000 self-employed people across Cumbria, including 1 in 4 of all workers in South Lakeland. These are the hardworking tradespeople and entrepreneurs that are struggling to make ends meet. These people who are vital to keeping our local economy going yet are hit with a tax hike, while big business enjoys a corporation tax cut."