Cheltenham Liberal Democrats have labelled the Chancellor's budget announcement a "desperate deception", with income tax bills still set to rise for local people.

Max Wilkinson, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Cheltenham, said: "This budget will barely touch the sides for families and pensioners around here, who are facing soaring mortgage bills while the cost of the weekly shop goes through the roof.

"People in Cheltenham know that their tax bills will remain sky high after this budget, and the Chancellor is attempting a desperate deception after years of income tax hikes.

"People don't want more Conservative empty promises while our local health services are left on their knees. They want proper change through a General Election, so we can kick this Conservative government out of office."

Punchline-Gloucester.com also contacted Alex Chalk MP for Cheltenham and the town's Green parliamentary candidate, Daniel Wilson, for comment.