The Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Charles Kennedy, and I have released details of the Liberal Democrat alternate Budget, which plans for a big boost for hospitals, schools and pensions.

The proposals would see an immediate £2 billion for the NHS. This would pay for 1000 doctors and 3000 nurses, guaranteeing shorter waiting times. The Liberal Democrat proposals would also mean equal access to cancer, heart and MS treatments currently restricted in some areas.

The Liberal Democrats stick with their long standing commitment to invest in education - with the abolition of tuition fees and a guaranteed average class size in primary schools of 25 pupils per class.

The proposals also highlight a 5000 boost in police numbers, help for people on poorer incomes - and a huge boost for pensioners. Replacing the Government's 75p a week pension increase the Lib Dems pledge an immediate £2 for over 65s, £5 for over 75s, and £6.75 for over 80s.

The proposals, which I have carefully costed (as Liberal Democrat Economic Affairs Spokesperson), are funded by an increase to 50% in the top tax rate for those earning over £100,000 a year, and by scrapping Labour's plans for a 1p cut in income tax in April. This is balanced by cutting the 10% starting rate of tax to zero - so people earning up to about £20,000 a year would be better off.

"From the enormous number of letters I have received from local residents over the past year, it is clear that the NHS, schools and pensions are in dire straights. The NHS crisis this winter and falling police numbers clearly shows that Labour have simply not delivered their manifesto pledges."

"Rather than tax cuts, which Labour never promised in the first place, the priority must be getting schools, hospitals and pensions back on the right tracks."

"The truth is that you can't get something for nothing - our costed manifesto shows what could be done if the Government is honest and straightforward about what is needed, and what it costs."

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