Lib Dems unveil plans for North Somerset families

9.42.49am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Apr 2005

Mike Bell and the Liberal Democrats have launched a 'manifesto for families'

Charles Kennedy MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, today launched the Party's Families mini-manifesto. The plans include extending pre and after school care, offering new mothers a Maternity Income Guarantee equivalent to the minimum wage of £170 per week for the first 6 months after the birth of their first child, and increasing nursery care for 3-4 year olds.   

Mr Kennedy said: "Last week, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in his open letter to the party leaders, called for 'a programme for fuller and better family support, fuller and better care for our children throughout society'.  Our Manifesto for Families sets out just such a programme.

"It recognises that in the 21st Century, the modern British family comes in many shapes and sizes.  We are no longer a nation that has one universal family structure.

"Our Manifesto for Families sets out real solutions to the problems that families face everyday.

"The Liberal Democrats will provide a Maternity Income Guarantee of £170 a week for working mothers on the birth of their first child, which is often the occasion when financial problems are most acute.

"We will extend nursery provision for 3 and 4 year olds.  We will provide 20,000 more teachers for infants and junior schools so that we can cut class sizes.  Teachers will have more time with every child to bring out the best in them.

"We will offer pre and after school care for all school age children by opening schools from 8am to 6pm.

"Our policies will increase support for families and maintain the family's central role in our society."

Mike Bell, Liberal Democrat candidate for Woodspring added:

"Liberal Democrats would look after the family from the cradle to the grave.  We would offer new mothers the option of receiving a Maternity Income Guarantee equivalent to the minimum wage of £170 per week for the 6 months after the birth of their first child.

"Liberal Democrats believe that women should not be penalised for choosing to spend time with their families.  Our proposals for a Citizen's Pension mean that women will receive a pension in their own right.

"For those looking after an elderly relative, our proposals for free personal care for the elderly would ease the burden on families in later life.

"Liberal Democrats would also take real action to tackle the lack of affordable housing in places like North Somerset. Young families are really struggling to get on the housing ladder because of the high housing costs in our area."