Ann Haigh answers your questions

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Apr 2010

Councillor Ann Haigh, the Liberal Democrat candidate at the forthcoming general election, has been answering your questions. Here is a selection of questions:

How would you use your role as MP to make Epping Forest a better place to live?

My first duty would be to my constituents. I would speak up for Epping Forest in Parliament and fight to ensure that local residents are listened to by Government. My first priorities would be a fairer tax system, ensuring a fair chance for every child, dealing with the economic crisis defending the special character of our area and cleaning up politics.

Do you think all MPs expenses should be abolished and if not what reforms do you think are needed?

MPs should not be able to make a profit from expenses. However they should be able to claim reasonable travel and similar costs as some MPS have very long journeys to London. I don't believe the MP for Epping needs a taxpayer-funded second home and I believe all expense claims should be published. It is outrageous that so many Labour and Conservative MPs voted to keep details of expenses claims secret.

What do you think is the single most important issue facing contemporary Britain and why?

Without a doubt the most important issue at the moment is the need to sort out the economy. Without this the country will not be able to pay for the public services that we all rely on. The Liberal Democrats will break up the banks and get them lending again to protect real businesses. Vince Cable has set out a plan to deliver green growth and jobs that last by investing in infrastructure.

Are there any of your own party's policies that you disagree with or do you toe the party line in everything they say?

One of the great things about the Liberal Democrats is that members discuss and debate policy before it is adopted, so our policies are agreed democratically rather than being imposed from above. I was concerned by details of the original "mansion tax" proposal. However this has now been improved so that it will be applied only to properties worth over £2 million, and paid at a rate on 1 per cent on the value of the property above £2m.

Ask Ann a question by sending an email to ann.haigh@eflibdems.org.uk