Liberal Democrats launch website to identify waste

3.57.25pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Aug 2009

The Liberal Democrats are launching a website where people who work with taxpayers' money can submit suggestions on how to cut waste. 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

Everyone employed in the public sector - including Tower Hamlet's army of hard-working teachers, nurses, police and social workers and private contractors - is being asked to say where they think taxpayers' money can be saved.

Leader of the Council group in Tower Hamlets, Cllr Stephanie Eaton said: "We are asking the front line workers to tell us about waste of public money. They are the people who know how money can be saved without affecting services to the public. If everyone reports waste we will be able to put resources where they really can make a difference to people's lives."

Unlike the Tories, who just want to take an axe to public sector jobs, and Labour, who spend money without caution, the Liberal Democrats will reduce public debt in a responsible way.That's why we're asking the experts - the people on the ground - who know how money can be saved without threatening essential services - where is the waste?

Notes to editors:

1. Suggestions made through the 'Ask the People in the Know' website will help shape the Liberal Democrats' policy-making process and feed into the General Election manifesto.

2. Nick Clegg will launch the campaign during a visit to a hospital in Sheffield today. He will say: "Politicians should stop talking over the heads of public servants. We need to listen to the people in the know on how we can better run public services, making sure that every penny of taxpayers' money is well spent. That's what 'Asking the People in the Know' is all about."