Value for money and decent services pledge

12.41.53am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 10th Apr 2005

Hampshire Liberal Democrats have pledged not to increase Council Tax by more than inflation if they win the County Council elections on May 5th.

The Conservatives have almost doubled the Council Tax since they took control of County Hall in 1997.

Nationally, the Lib Dems want the Council Tax scrapped altogether and replaced with a fairer system based on ability to pay.

Liberal Democrats on Hampshire County Council proposed a lower Council Tax increase than the Tories this year and they say they would hold tax increases to no more than the rate of increase in prices for the next four years.

Better Services

At the same time as holding down taxes, the Lib Dems would aim to boost key services for local residents - starting within weeks of the election.

This would include action to cut crime, help with improving behaviour in the classroom and a £1million boost road and pavement repairs.