National issues

The Liberal Democrats were the only major party to:

• vote against Iraq
• support electoral reform
• foresee the credit crunch

At the core of all Lib Dem policy is a deep-rooted sense of fairness. That’s why a Lib Dem government would:

Abolish income tax for the first £10,000 of taxable earnings

This would bring four million people out of the tax system altogether.

It would also see an average earner £700 better off a year. In this area that’s two months’ rent for a young person in a flat or house share — or about half the annual council tax of a band D property.

If you are a working couple, that’s £1400 a year in your pocket.

Reform the City

Ensure nationalised banks such as RBS and Lloyds TSB use the money they’ve been given by you, the taxpayer, to lend to businesses. Too many good businesses are being allowed to fail.

We would pass legislation to stop high street banks gambling on high risk financial markets, as they have done under Labour — and would continue to do under David Cameron’s Conservatives.

We would not bail out irresponsible investment banks.

Reform Westminster

The current first past the post electoral system has resulted in too many constituencies being safe seats’ with MPs sitting on fat majorities.

To restore the link between the elector, you, and the elected, we would introduce proportional representation, an elected House of Lords and devolve power from Westminster to local government wherever possible.

We have already criticised MPs’ expenses and our party leader, Nick Clegg, has caused great upset in Parliament with his demands for transparency and change.

None of our MPs ‘flipped’ their mortgages and none of our MPs living in Greater London claimed a second home allowance.

We would continue to work to ensure that MPs’ expenses are fairer and accessible so that you can hold your MP to account. View you current MP’s expenses here (opens in a new window).

Give young people a fair start

ALL research shows that children’s early years play a key role in determining their future.

A Lib Dem government would reduce class sizes to 15 for children under 7 and introduce a ‘pupil premium’ of £2,500 per child per year, equivalent to the investment in those fortunate enough to attend public school.

We would abolish tuition fees for first degrees so that young people are not saddled with a mortgage-sized debt before their career has even started.

A Lib Dem government would work with Job Centres to change the way they work so that they focus on individual needs.

Build a stronger, greener economy

We would promote environmental policies that would be good for business.

These include:

• rewarding companies that use renewable energy through tax breaks
• encouraging green research
• development and stopping energy companies from using tariffs that penalise the poor.

In rural areas such as Witney we would give a 50% discretionary tax relief to sole village pubs and release public sector land to create more affordable housing.