85% of homes in Chesterfield could be eligible for sale to meet Theresa May's so-called 'dementia tax', research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Tom Snowdon has urged residents, irrespective of their party affiliation, to join a campaign to stop the Conservative social care plans which would saddle those with long-term illnesses with crippling care costs after their death.

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If you would like to support Tom Snowdon's Chesterfield Liberal Democrats campaign you can follow us on twitter @ChesterfieldLD, like at facebook.com/ChesterfieldLD or e-mail Tom.snowdon@chesterfieldlibdems.org.uk

Tom Snowdon has said that 20,310 pensioners living in Chesterfield will receive at least an extra £772 per year under Liberal Democrat manifesto plans to protect the 'triple lock' for state pensions.

Thanks to the triple lock guarantee, secured by the Liberal Democrats when they were in government, the basic state pension has risen in each year by whichever is the higher of earnings, prices or a rate of 2.5%. However, the Conservatives have refused to guarantee whether the triple lock will continue, raising fears it could be scrapped.

The Liberal Democrats have committed this week to keeping the triple lock, meaning the state pension would be worth at least £137.15 a week by 2021, up from £122.30 in 2017, or an extra £772 a year.

This would be paid for in part by restricting perks such as the winter fuel allowance so they are no longer paid to the wealthiest pensioners.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Tom Snowdon said:

"Protecting the triple lock will mean an extra £772 a year by 2021 for over 20,000 people receiving the state pension in this constituency.

"The Liberal Democrats are making a clear commitment to older people in Chesterfield, unlike the Conservatives who have repeatedly refused to give this guarantee.

"The triple lock has succeeded in lifting thousands of pensioners out of poverty, but many are still struggling to get by.

"An important test of a civilised society is the way in which it cares for the elderly. This commitment will ensure older people are able to meet their basic needs and that their living standards will be protected, especially with prices set to rise in the coming years."

A member of the Liberal Democrats since 2001, Tom joined the party to campaign for Paul Holmes to be elected as MP for Chesterfield. For Tom the main issues in this General Election are increasing NHS funding, ensuring that pensions are protected, and making sure the UK gets the best possible deal when leaving the EU so that we don't damage the economy resulting in a major loss of jobs.

Tom Snowdon announced that the Liberal Democrats would plug funding gaps for the NHS and social care by putting a penny on income tax, in their first major manifesto commitment of the election campaign.

The tax would raise an additional £105.2 million for Derbyshire, with £76 million for the NHS and £29.2 million for social care each year.

Cllr Alexis Diouf, Chesterfield Libdem council group leader, has condemned Labour's financial failure in Chesterfield saying:

"The costs of making proposed changes to Chesterfield Town Hall have already soared by over 300% even though no work at all has yet been done.

The original estimate of costs was £850,000 but that has now skyrocketed to a massive £2.74m before any work has even started.

5,000 families in Chesterfield will lose out under Conservative plans to cut tax credits.

Figures produced by the House of Commons Library show over three million low-income working families currently in receipt of tax credits will see their entitlement reduced, as part of the Government's proposals.

The change will mean a total loss of £5.4m to families in Chesterfield , with the average family losing £750 a year.

Despite claims from the Conservatives that those affected will benefit from plans to increase the minimum wage, the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has said Tory figures don't stack up.

IFS analysis shows a £750 average loss will only be offset by £200 as a result of the new minimum wage.

Liberal Democrats have opposed the move and said it undermines the work of the Coalition Government, to make sure work will always pay more than remaining on benefits.

Council Group Leader Cllr Alexis Diouf said: "The changes to tax credits will hammer families in Chesterfield. The move completely undermines any claim the Tories have of being on the side of working families.

"What makes this even worse is that 7,400 children in our area will now be forced to live in poorer households, reducing their life chances and making it harder for their parents to make ends meet.

"Study after study have shown that the Conservative's claim to be supporting low income families through a minimum wage increase nowhere near make up for these cuts. It's time for them to come clean and be honest with those doing the right thing and going out to work.

"I am pleased that Lib Dems are opposing this measure. We worked hard in Coalition to ensure that work would always pay more than choosing to remain on benefits. It is a disgrace the Conservatives are now undermining this good work."

Julia Cambridge writes, Today's news is absolutely heartbreaking. The Liberal Democrats are a family and it feels like we have lost our favourite brother.

Charles Kennedy was one of the greatest politicians of his generation, devoting his life to public service, having been elected as a Highlands MP at the age of 23. He went on to serve his beloved constituency for over 30 years.