Submit Your Ideas for the Next Lib Dem Manifesto

David Laws, Lib Dem MP says "The Liberal Democrats are the only party whose members decide our policy. If you have an idea for something that should go in our next Manifesto, please send your idea to my working group.

"Of course, nothing goes into our party's final manifesto without the agreement of Conference, but Federal Policy Committee have approved the Carer's Bonus policy for our pre-manifesto, subject to final approval at Conference in Glasgow this October.

"Nicky Jones came along to our Manifesto Roadshow in Yeovil last November and shared her experiences as a carer. I was struck by her tremendous sacrifice in supporting her father, and by her plea for the Liberal Democrats to stand up as the "party of carers" and to offer them more support.

"We have now put Nicky's idea into our 2015 General Election pre-manifesto. The pre-manifesto will feature a Carer's Bonus that will reward carers for the vital work that they do. We would give one million carers an annual bonus of £125, rising to £250 over the course of the next Parliament.

"Like Nicky, millions of carers nationwide are making sacrifices to their livelihood and finances to support their loved ones. Research by Carers UK has found that almost half of all carers are cutting back on essentials like food and heating. Our bonus will come with no strings attached; carers can spend the money on new clothes, a day out or treats for their children or grandchildren. What's important is recognising the work they do."