LIBERAL Democrats in Leigh and Makerfield have welcomed plans to cut the deficit without putting an unfair burden on the poorest.

The parliamentary candidates for both areas have shown their support for Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg who says he will increase taxes on the wealthiest and cut tax avoidance.

It comes, they say, as the Conservatives have announced they want to balance the nation’s books entirely by cuts to benefits of the working age poor.

John Skipworth, parliamentary candidate for Makerfield, said: “We have all had to make sacrifices over the last few years to clear up the financial mess left by Labour.

“Since the coalition was formed we have had to cut spending on benefits and some services although we have protected schools and the NHS.

“But Lib Dems in Government have also increased taxes on the wealthiest whilst cutting income tax for people on low and middle incomes.

“This would not have happened if the Conservatives had won a majority at the last General Election and formed a single party Government.”

Mr Skipworth says the Conservatives have announced that they will complete balancing the books entirely on the backs of the working age poor if they win the election and that they have revealed their true approach to austerity and public services.

He also believes that Labour appears to have learnt nothing over the last five years.

“They opposed every cut that needed to be made. If they form a single party Government after the election, they will put back the date when the books are balanced, leaving Britain in more unnecessary debt,” he said.

“The Liberal Democrats have announced that we will take a fairer, balanced approach to wiping out the deficit.

“There will need to be further cuts, including £4 billion on benefits, but we will be raising £6 billion by tackling tax avoidance and £8 billion in increased taxes on the wealthiest and big business.

“By 2017/18, the books should be balanced and we will be able to invest in public services.”