Alternative parties, alternative ideas

The three main national parties are not the only show in town. Regional and special interest parties have many interesting personal finance policies. Here are some of their main ideas.

The Green Party

With about 135 candidates standing in England and Wales, the Green Party does not seriously expect to win any seats. But its policies could be influential. A major plank is its plan for a 'Citi zens' Income' - a wealth redistribution initiative which would see a basic income for all.

Prescription charges and charges for eye tests and dental treatment would be abolished. Fuel tax would be increased - 'we would want to ensure that alternatives are in place' - and public transport fares would be reduced. The tax system would encourage more local production of food.

The Ulster Unionist Party

Don't hold your breath for financial policies from the UUP. It is still, at heart, a single-issue party - the status of Northern Ireland. But it wants to see an exemption from the TV licence fee and electricity standing charges 'for poorer pensioners living alone' and free travel on public transport for the elderly.

Sinn Fein

Assistance with childcare costs through tax relief is its most developed personal financial policy. It wants to end tuition fees and reintroduce means-tested grants for undergraduates. Education Minister Martin McGuinness is promoting PFIs (private finance initiatives) to help fund some schools. His colleagues look unlikely to agree to state payment of personal care costs for elderly people in nursing homes.

Plaid Cymru

The 'Party for Wales' wants tax to rise to 50 per cent on earnings over £50,000, and the introduction of more green taxes.

It says the minimum wage should rise to £5 an hour (up from the £3.70 now, or the £4.10 rate due to start in October). Locals should be given help to buy homes if local conditions [such as the purchase of holiday homes] have pushed up prices.Personal care costs - as well as nursing costs - for elderly people in nursing homes should be met by the state.

Scottish National Party

A prime aim of this 'left of centre party committed to Scottish independence'is 'full fiscal freedom' for Scotland. It would then raise the higher tax rate to 45 per cent on earnings over £100,000. It wants the earnings link restored on pensions and personal care costs to be met by the state in nursing homes. It would cut fuel tax by 10p a gallon.