Independent study gives thumbs up for Lib Dem plans - Robinson

10.03.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 28th Apr 2005

Stephen calculating average household gains with Local Income Tax. "Average around £450 per household"

West Chelmsford's Lib Dem Westminster Candidate Stephen Robinson says, "A report published today by the independent Institute of Fiscal Studies entitled "Proposed Tax and Benefit Changes: Winners and losers in the next term", says that 70% of households would be best off under Liberal Democrat plans, compared to those of Conservative and Labour parties."

He went on, " Economists analysed the impact of the three main parties' spending plans when all the pledges have come into effect in 2009. The IFS says: "On average, the highest-income three decile groups would gain most under the Conservatives, while the remaining seven decile groups would gain most under the Liberal Democrats."

"This report further demonstrates that Liberal Democrat proposals are also best for pensioners, and other policies, such as the scrapping of tuition and top-up fees and the introduction of free personal care for the elderly, will also benefit many financially. These policies have not been taken account of in this report. The Liberal Democrat tax and spending plans at this election are fully costed, affordable and fair."