Christian financial group responds to budget

The Association of Christian Financial Advisors (ACFA) have released a response to yesterday's budget annoucement from the coalition government.

The ACFA's statement praised the government's decision to lower Corporation Tax but expressed disappointment that the issues of payday loans and long term care funding were ignored.

The UK network said the Corporation Tax cut was "welcome news" as it would encourage and stimulate growth in the economy. "Less administration is also welcome, as small businesses need to be freed up from excessive regulation and red tape".

The news that the government is increasing personal allowances towards the £10,000 figure was also welcomed as "a good reflection of a caring society". However the ACFA warned phasing out age allowances for the elderly was "harsh" and suggested the decision was "hidden behind the need to simplify taxation in retirement."

The ACFA also warned of expensive complexities in changes to Child Benefit.

Spokesperson Arwyn Bailey commented: "The Chancellor has had a difficult balancing act and only time will ultimately tell whether his fiscal policy will be effective in assisting the lower income groups, and raising sufficient tax revenue to fund the reduced public spending programme."