South Hams Liberal Democrats launch local election manifesto.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Apr 2003

South Hams Liberal Democrats last night welcomed Mathew Taylor M.P. the Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, to launch their manifesto for the forthcoming local council elections.

Key issues that Liberal Democrats will be fighting for are;

• Increased pressure on central government to fund local government properly and stop the need for vast increases in council tax.

• More affordable housing for local people

• Increasing the opportunities for recycling and ensuring that environmental issues are at the heart of all policy decisions.

• Involvement of all sectors of the community in decision making including the young and socially excluded. Local solutions to local problems.

• support and improve local transport services including community buses and voluntary car schemes. Review current car parking charges with the aim of making them fairer to local residents.

Endorsing the manifesto Mathew Taylor said:

'Liberal Democrats are committed to removing one of the most unfair taxes we have - Council Tax -and replacing it with a tax based on the ability to pay. As a first step we would reduce Council Tax across the board by £100 and move towards abolishing it completely. Every vote for a Liberal Democrat in these elections is a vote against this unfair system of taxation. Liberal Democrats are the only party who will reform this grossly unfair tax that hits low income people across the board be they pensioners or low wage earners.'

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the Council, Cllr. Cathie Pannell said:

' We have an exceptionally strong field of candidates who, when elected, will work hard for the people of the South Hams on a manifesto that will deliver the services that people want, involve local people in decision making and protect the beautiful environment in which we live.'