New Forest Liberal Democrats have demanded an emergency cut to VAT to protect local families from soaring bills and the Conservatives' worsening cost of living crisis.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for an ‘oligarch tax’ to offset increased gas prices at a time when households are already facing a cost of living crisis.

Liberal Democrats in the New Forest are celebrating tonight after local community campaigner, Sean Cullen, held the seat of Hythe West and Langdown on New Forest District Council.

New Forest Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Malcolm Wade, proposed the plan as part of the Liberal Democrats’ alternative budget at February’s meeting of New Forest District Council.