The Liberal Democrats have launched their local election campaign as their leader said a vote for the party sends a message to the Conservatives that “enough is enough”.

Sir Ed Davey kicked off his party’s campaign ahead of local elections on 6 May by focusing on the cost of living crisis, the NHS and river sewage.

The Lib Dems are calling for an emergency cut to VAT, slashing the top rate from 20% to 17.5% for one year, a move they predict would save families an average of around £600.

Sir Ed told party supporters by the River Wandle in Wimbledon, southwest London, that the Tory government “either doesn’t care or doesn’t get it”.

“Life has been tough for so many people, it is still tough,” he said.

“They are rising to the challenge, they are raising their families, caring for others, playing by the rules.

“Now, more than ever, they deserve a fair deal, but the rising cost of energy, soaring energy bills, are overwhelming millions of families and pensioners.”

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Sir Ed said instead of helping people during this difficult time the Conservatives are “raising unfair taxes again and again”.

He also accused the government of placing the NHS into crisis, with cancer patients being forced to wait for treatment.

And highlighting the poor water quality in the River Wandle behind him, he accused the Tories of “allowing water companies – while pouring sewage into our rivers – to make billions in profits”.

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The Lib Dem leader promised his party, if in power, would:

• Bring in an emergency tax cut “to save struggling families £600”
• Introduce a new ambulance fund “so when you dial 999 you know one will be there”
• Have a £15bn fund to help children recover from lost learning during COVID and parents would get funds to spend on what they think their children need the most
• Tax water companies “so they are forced to clear up their mess rather than pouring sewage into our rivers”.

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‘Wrong time for unfair tax rises’

Earlier on Wednesday, Sir Ed told Sky News’ Kay Burley it was the “wrong time” for “unfair” tax rises, including National Insurance which has increased by 1.25 percentage points today.

“Remember, it’s not just a National Insurance tax rise,” he said.

“They froze the income tax allowance, bringing lots of low paid people into tax for the first time.

“This is just the wrong timing when people are struggling so much, that’s why Liberal Democrats are arguing for an emergency tax cut.

“We think VAT should come down to 17.5% – that would give people on average £600 a year in less VAT.

“That’s a sort of bold measure that’s needed, given these difficult times.”

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