Conservative Manifesto: What we expect to see
David Cameron buys sausages on the campaign trail yesterday
The Conservatives will launch their manifesto at 11am this morning near Swindon.
We already know to expect a series of policies, but there are likely to be a few more surprises aimed at wooing disaffected voters who have been tempted by Ukip and wavering Labour voters.
Right to Buy: Thatcher’s scheme will be extended to apply to housing association tenants. Labour and the Lib Dems say that policy will do nothing to solve Britain’s housing crisis.
Personal income tax allowance: to be raised to £12,500 by end of Parliament. The Liberal Democrats are frustrated as they say this was their policy that they sold to the coalition and the Conservatives are now taking the credit.
Minimum wage linked to personal tax allowance: The pledge means that if minimum wage rises higher than expected workers on that salary will still be exempt from paying income tax.
End inheritance tax on properties worth up to £1 million: The Conservatives say that this will take the family home out of tax. Critics say that the average family home is worth less than half £1 million.
£50,000 threshold for 40p rate by 2020: They say this will stop the ‘fiscal drag’ which is bringing teachers and nurses into the 40 per cent tax bracket.
£8 billion investment in NHS: The conservatives have pledged that they provide the £8 billion that Simon Stevens says is necessary to plug a funding gap in the NHS. However Labour point out the Chancellor was asked 18 times how he would fund the figure on the Andrew Marr show this weekend and gave no answer.
Rail fare freeze: The Conservatives have promised to freeze fares in real terms for five years. The Labour party say this is an unfunded pledge, but they have promised to freeze them for one year and have explained how this will be funded.
£100 billion on four trident submarines: The party has publicly promised to commit to 4 submarines. Labour have matched the pledge as long as “experts” say that four are necessary.
Strikes: 40 per cent support from union members will be needed for strike action to be legal