I support a humane and sustainable farming system with high standards of animal welfare, and I want to see further development of the laws we have in place to protect the wellbeing of farm animals.
The NHS is a public service that we need to support and protect as much as possible. That's why I'm delighted that Liberal Democrats have committed to increasing spending on our NHS funding by £8 billion a year by 2020, which is the funding the NHS needs to cope with our aging population.
Liberal Democrats believe that the success of our growing UK economy must be shared among all workers including those on low wages. We're proud of our achievements with record numbers of people in work, and helping low paid workers has been a priority for Liberal Democrats in government.
I want a tax system that is simple, progressive and fair. The vast majority of people and businesses in our country pay their taxes in full, but there are always some who try to get away without paying their fair share. This is ethically unacceptable and damages our economy and public finances.
Making our streets safer for everyone is one of my top priorities and I am proud to say that it has been Liberal Democrat Councillors who have been at the forefront of many successful campaigns in Bedford and across the UK to make residential streets 20mph zones.
With the crucial mayoral election approaching on Thursday 7th May, this is the first of a short series here on MayorDave.org.uk setting out the facts on a number of key issues and looking at the remarkable record of Mayor Dave Hodgson in getting the best for Bedford Borough.