Lib Dem Conference: A Fairer Britain

• Councillor Daisy Benson (Redlands) speaking on reducing crime and improving policing

The conference marked a major step for the Liberal Democrats nationally, with a major change in policy and direction.

At conference, the Liberal Democrat Fairer Future economy recovery plan detailed a four step plan for a better economic future.

1. Action to stop unjust repossessions
2. New approach to regulating the City - limiting the excesses of the market
3. Put in place the building blocks for future economic stability - interest rates that take house price changes into account, and independent monitoring of our fiscal rules
4. Tax cuts for families who are struggling

The Party has also released a new paper called 'Make It Happen', which outlines the new direction we are taking.

People in Reading, and nationwide, are fed up with New Labour.

It promised more than the Conservatives of 1997, yet it has failed.

Failed in education.

Failed the NHS.

Failed our brave troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And most importantly of all, failed the people of Britain.

What is the alternative?

The Conservatives have said much, but does anyone actually know what they will do differently?

They will cut taxes, sure, but only for their rich friends.

Those lower income families will still have to carry a heavy tax burden.

They will carry on New Labour's trend of removing civil liberties, and imposing a surveillance state.

The Liberal Democrats are the REAL alternative to failed Labour

We propose a fairer Britain.

A Britain where the poorest do not pay the most tax.

We propose a shift towards green taxes, whilst reducing the basic rate of income tax by 4p.

Council tax will be replaced by a fairer, income-based local tax, which will mean taxation based on ability to pay, instead of value of the property.

We will scrap the ID card scheme and direct that money back into the police force, putting thousands more 'bobbies' on the beat.

When there is a long waiting list for NHS treatment, we will make the NHS pay for you to go private.

The Bank of England should take into account house prices when making interest rate decisions. We will give them the power to make effective monetary policy.

The Liberal Democrats are the only party that will make a positive impact on people's lives.