“The economic crisis means we are all worried about the future. Many struggle to get by from day to day. It’s time for action to help people and their families through these tough times.”
“The Liberal Democrats are determined to help. We’ve a simple action plan which will really make a difference, putting money in people’s pocket, cutting unfair bills, and keeping people safely in their homes.”
Reg Shore and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg meet up at Westminster
While Labour and the Conservatives just argue about who is to blame for past failings, the Lib Dems are focused on getting practical help for individuals and families. There are four urgent changes we’re calling for:
1. Cutting taxes for people on low and middle incomes – raising the tax threshold so you’ve more money in your pocket. The Lib Dems’ tax cuts will be paid for by closing tax loopholes used by the very rich and getting tough on unnecessary and wasteful government spending.
2. Lowering energy bills and fighting fuel poverty so we can all afford to keep warm this winter. As wholesale fuel prices fall – they have dropped dramatically since August – utility companies must lower people’s bills too.
The Lib Dems would compel energy companies to re-invest the £9 billion profit they’ve made in kind from the Emissions Trading Scheme into cutting bills through rolling out social tariffs to more than 2 million vulnerable customers, installation of smart meters showing consumption costs, and a £500 million a year rolling programme to insulate homes properly.
3. Action on the housing crisis – keeping people in their homes, so we don’t need to fear unfair and unnecessary repossessions. The Lib Dems would ensure that banks only repossess people’s homes as a last resort – and families struggling with repayments could sell all or part of the equity in their home and rent it back from a Housing Association. We would also allow Councils and Housing Associations to borrow against their assets, buy up unsold properties and land and build to replenish the social housing stock.
4. Lower mortgage payments and cheaper business loans through big interest rate cuts. People and businesses need help paying off their mortgages and loans, so we need substantially lower interest rates.
These are our top priorities for our Fairer Future Economic Recovery Plan, launched at the end of September. With events developing as rapidly as they are, you might also want to read the latest news from Nick Clegg, and other Lib Dems on the economic news section of the Party website www.libdems.org.uk. Alternatively, please contact Reg Shore by telephoning 07951944486 or writing to him at The Office, 10 Rosebery Avenue, Lincoln, LN1 1ND