Lib Dems ask all teachers, nurses and street cleaners in Shepway: 'where is the waste?'

5.06.02pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 30th Aug 2009

Everyone employed in the public sector - including Shepway's army of hard-working teachers, care assistants, librarians and social workers - is being asked to say where they think taxpayers' money can be saved.

The Liberal Democrats are launching a website where people who work with taxpayers' money can submit suggestions on how to cut waste in the public sector. It will be launched by leader Nick Clegg as part of the 'Ask the People in the Know' project and can be accessed at www.nickclegg.com/intheknow

Neil Matthews, Liberal Democrat candidate for Folkestone & Hythe, said:

"Every day I meet public servants out and about in Shepway whose hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all.

"They are the people who know what works and what doesn't in their chosen field. They're the ones I'd trust to say where cuts can be made safely without putting lives in danger.

"Unlike the Tories, who just want to take an axe to public sector jobs, and Labour, who only care about bailing out bankers, the Liberal Democrats will reduce public debt in a responsible way.

"That's why we should ask the experts - the people on-the-ground who know how money can be saved without threatening essential services - where is the waste?"