The Liberal Democrat Manifesto 1997

This Annual Tax Contract will be in keeping with our four Tax Pledges:

1. No taxation without explanation
   Central Government should inform taxpayers of the ways in which their money is raised and spent, just as local councils now do.
2. No promises unless the bill is attached
   People have the right to know the Government's priorities and how much they will cost. When we make significant changes in our tax and spending priorities we will tell people where the money has come from. We will ask the National Audit Office to make sure that additional expenditure earmarked for specific projects is spent accordingly.
3. No more tax without tackling waste
   Each year we will set out the measures which we plan to implement in order to reduce wasteful expenditure and deliver best value for money to taxpayers. We will never raise taxes without first scrutinising Government expenditure for waste.
4. Fair tax for all
   Tax bands, rates and reliefs should ensure that everyone contributes according to their ability to pay and that the tax burden is fairly shared. We will aim to take more of those on low incomes out of tax completely. We will clamp down on tax avoidance and evasion. We will provide a mechanism for people to give their views on tax and spending priorities.