Key points from the manifesto

Only one tax-raising measure - a new top rate of 50p in the pound on earnings over £100,000. Party claims top earners will pay less than they did in the Thatcher years. Pledge designed to contrast with Labour's 66 "stealth taxes".

END TO COUNCIL TAX

Council tax to be replaced by a local income tax. Average family will save £450 a year. Party say overall, half of people will pay less, a quarter will pay more, and a quarter the same as now. Average London household would pay

£656.25 next year - about half the current bill.

NO UNIVERSITY TUITION FEES

Abolition of fees to be paid for by new top tax rate. The return of maintenance grants of up to £2,000 for students from lowincome homes. Will match Labour pledges on university funding.

FASTER, FAIRER HEALTHCARE

Faster diagnosis and an end to "hidden" NHS waiting lists. Party will publish waiting times for all tests and scans. Free eye tests and dental checks. Lower prescription

charges. Fast tests for patients who may have serious illnesses - either in NHS, or private, hospitals. Better use of NHS equipment .

BETTER DEAL FOR THE ELDERLY

Flagship policy already in Scotland. Care that would be free in hospital - like feeding or dressing, will be free in a care facility or at home. Single pensioners over the age of 75 to get £100 a month more and couples £140 more. A new Citizens' Pension would give women a full pension by right - meaning those who have taken time off work to have children will not lose out.

SMALLER CLASS SIZES

The party would scrap the Child Trust Fund - saving £1.5billion. Money would be used to recruit 21,000 primary school teachers - leading to dramatic reductions in primary school class sizes.

A total of 10,000 more police and 20,000 community support officers. Scrap identity cards - saving £500million. Replacing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts. Community service, not jail, for non-violent offenders.

SAFER STREETS