THE INTRODUCTION of a new National Living Wage has been praised by Reading West's MP.

Alok Sharma welcomed the decision to implement the new wage for people 25 and over which starts today.

The pay starts at £7.20 an hour and is set to rise to £9 by 2020. It is anticipated that 1.3m people are expected to benefit from the change this year.

From April 6, the income tax personal allowance will increase to £11,000, meaning basic rate tax payers will be paying £900 less than they were in 2010.

Mr Sharma said: "This Government was elected to deliver a higher wage, lower tax country that finally lives within its means – and that is what we are delivering. The National Living Wage‎ means that if you are 25 and over, then from today you will earn at least £7.20 an hour, by law.

"That means 1.3 million lower-paid workers will get a direct pay rise – the biggest jump in a minimum wage in any advanced economy since the financial crisis."

Neighbours, what do you think about the National Living Wage? Do you think it is a good idea? Let us know by voting below.

Mr Sharma added: “I have previously spoken out in Parliament and in private conversations with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor in favour of pegging the personal allowance to increases in the minimum wage.

"I am delighted that we are now moving towards a system where those on the lowest incomes will no longer have to pay any income tax at all.

"A typical basic rate tax payer will pay £900 less in tax this year than in 2010 and this will benefit tens of thousands of people in my Reading West constituency.”

Does the new scheme effect you or your business? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by calling 0118 955 3315.