Independent think-tank gives LibDem manifesto highest rating

In its analysis of the parties spending plans, the Institute for Fiscal Studies reported that the Liberal Democrats are the most transparent.

It also said that the Conservatives give a "misleading impression" while Labour give "disappointingly little" information on borrowing and do not provide enough funding for the NHS.

The report states that the Liberal Democrats have been more transparent than the other parties about their overall fiscal plans for the next parliament, in particular setting these out in some detail up to 2017–18.

It also highlights how we would cut borrowing more quickly than Labour and keep our economy strong for the future.

From IFS comparison of post-austerity plans: http://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/7725

The report also notes how we will invest in public services and that under the Liberal Democrats, departmental spending would be £13.2 billion (or 3.6 per cent) higher in real terms in 2019–20 than it was in 2014–15.

Responding to the report David Laws said:

"The IFS could not be clearer - when it comes to the economy the Liberal Democrats are the most transparent and are the party that will end austerity the earliest.

“By contrast, the IFS lift the lid on Tory plans to cut public spending to the bone and accuse them of burying details of their the plans to shrink the state.

“They also shine a light on the sheer scale of Labour’s deficit denial, which includes yet unspecified levels of borrowing, despite starving the NHS of the cash it needs.

“It's now official. Only the Liberal Democrats can be trusted to build a stronger economy and fairer society, and create opportunity for all.”