THE announcement of national tax cuts has been met with mixed responses from Tynedale politicians.

The Autumn Statement, published in November 2023, announced it would cut the main rate of national insurance contributions (NICs) paid by employees from 12 per cent to 10 per cent.

The tax cut came into effect on January 6 and has been welcomed by Hexham's MP, Guy Opperman.

Mr Opperman said: "I was delighted to see the Chancellor announce this tax cut for 27 million people in the recent Autumn Statement. This is the largest ever cut to National Insurance, putting more money into people's pockets.

"Last year, the Prime Minister delivered on his pledge to halve inflation. Now that this promise has been delivered, the government can now focus on cutting taxes for hardworking people in a responsible way. 

"This tax cut will see an average worker save £450 a year. Self-employed people will also benefit by an average of £350 a year. 

"This is fantastic news for hardworking people across Tynedale and Ponteland who are beginning to feel the benefits of a recovering economy."

Meanwhile, Joe Morris, Labour's candidate for the Hexham constituency, said: "Local Conservatives need to be honest with people: they've put taxes up. They increased them by 10 per cent only to cut them by two per cent. That's still a tax increase.

"Taxes are at their highest rate for 70 years. We need an MP who will reduce the burden on working people, who will act in the interests of local people and who will be laser-focused on bringing jobs and investment to our area. More than anything else, we need honesty back in our politics.

"For every £10 the Tories are taking in tax, they are only giving £2 back. Even after this month's tax changes, the average household is still set to be £1,200 worse off because of the Tories' tax rises. 

"After fourteen years of failure, it's time for change. Labour is back in the service of working people and is the only party with a long-term plan to deliver for working people.

"The Tories crashed the economy and loaded the costs onto working people. We'll close the private equity carried interest loophole. We'd scrap non-domiciled individual status - because if you live here you should pay your taxes here - and use that to fund two million extra appointments and procedures a year. 

"We'd end tax breaks for private schools and put that money into our state schools including here in Northumberland. There are fairer choices they could have made. And they still haven't put forward a serious plan for growth."

Northumberland County Council was contacted for comment.