Tory opposition to income tax rate abolition restated

Shadow chancellor George Osborne restated his party's opposition to the government's abolition of the 10p tax rate this morning.

Speaking on the Today programme, Mr Osborne said the government was not taking the right steps to help those on low incomes.

"I cannot think of another example in recent British history where a tax change has targeted a tax rise on some of the lowest paid people in the country," he said.

Mr Osborne conceded that focusing on families with children was a positive step forward.

But he added: "I wouldn't go about it by actually increasing the taxes on the lowest paid who don't have children, as well as some who do."