10,000 more police on the streets

I believe every person has the right to feel safe in their home and secure in their community. The Liberal Democrats would recruit 10,000 extra police and put them on the beat, not stuck behind desks doing administrative tasks. I have been impressed by the work of the police community support officers in Taunton, Wellington and local villages. We would expand their number. We would bring in measures to cut reoffending rates and prevent crime.

First-class healthcare for everyone

I believe every person, regardless of their wealth, should have access to top quality healthcare. The Liberal Democrats understand the value of the NHS ethos. We would continue to reform and improve the service to help patient care. We would free doctors and nurses from Government meddling.

Scrap the Council Tax

I believe taxation for most households in Britain is high enough but not fair enough. The Liberal Democrats would scrap the Council Tax altogether. The Council Tax is hitting local households hard. It is particularly bad for pensioners and people on typical local wages. Nine-out-of-ten pensioners would benefit from scrapping the Council Tax and many would pay no local tax. It would be replaced by a fairer system of local taxation based on the ability to pay.

Representing all the communities in our area

I believe in giving a stronger voice to all the communities across Taunton Deane and Exmoor. I work hard for all the people across Taunton constituency. I stand up for people in countryside communities and in the towns. I take both global and local environmental concerns seriously, including opposing excessive housing development and working to reduce traffic congestion. I strongly support Somerset businesses and producers.