In Britain today families come in all shapes and sizes. Liberal Democrats believe every family should get the support it needs to thrive, from help with childcare through to better support for carers and elderly parents.

Liberal Democrats will improve life for your family. On top of our tax cuts to put £700 in the pockets of millions of low and middle income earners, we will allow mums and dads to share parental leave between them so they can arrange family life in the way that suits them best. We will provide better support for children and young adults at risk to help them thrive. We will restore the earnings link for pensions and extend the Winter Fuel Payment to people with severe disabilities. And we will protect families from unfair bills.

helping families stay strong

Every child deserves a happy life free from poverty and free from fear. Children face too many difficulties in today’s Britain. The Government is going to fall far short of its target to cut child poverty, and young people have been demonised by a generation of politicians more interested in sounding tough than in offering help. Children are also the main victims of family breakdown.

dignity and security in later life

The way we treat older people is the mark of a fair society. Older people have worked hard and contributed to society for decades: they deserve a fair deal. Liberal Democrats will increase the inadequate basic state pension and ensure fair treatment for everyone from government, public services and business alike.

That is why Liberal Democrats will:

Immediately restore the link between the basic state pension and earnings. We will uprate the state pension annually by whichever is the higher of growth of earnings, growth of prices or 2.5 per cent.

Increase the income tax threshold to £10,000, saving pensioners £100 a year.

We are committed to free personal care for the elderly in Scotland.

a fair deal for consumers

While open markets usually deliver opportunity and prosperity, sometimes markets fail and consumers are badly treated by big business. The banks have exploited their position of power to impose unfair charges. Energy bills are far too expensive for many people, and suppliers have not done enough to protect those who cannot afford to keep warm.