STUDENTS TACKLE TESSA ON POLICY PROPOSALS

2.34.52pm GMT Thu 4th Mar 2010

College students from across Somerset have had the chance to debate with their local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate.

Tessa Munt, the Lib Dem would-be MP for the Wells Constituency, visited Strode College in Street to hear what first-time voters think of her party's policy proposals.

Tessa began her visit with a radio interview for Glastonbury FM in the college's studio. Later, she met up with students in the college refectory to debate three main Lib Dem policy proposals.

First was fair tax - no tax to pay until you earn more than £10,000 - as opposed to the current £6,000. This would benefit students particularly, as most work part-time and seasonally, rarely earn as much as £10,000 a year but still have to pay tax if they receive more than £120 a week.

Secondly - fair chances for education - no university tuition fees, no top up fees. Students who attend college and university are likely to get better jobs, and will therefore pay more tax for the rest of their working lives.

Thirdly, a fairer, greener Britain - better public transport which is accessible to students, and better housing which is affordable, well-insulated and uses greener energy.

Tessa said: "I always enjoy coming to Strode, this time for a series of wide-ranging questions from the media students for the Glastonbury FM interview, followed by some lively discussion with the students at lunchtime.

"Many raised their concerns on difficulties with rural transport and the costs of housing - both locally and in university towns. The Lib Dems recognise these barriers to progress and our proposals should ease the route to success for Somerset's students."