Four thousand new jobs and a £10 refund if Barnet Council fails to fulfil its quality service guarantees are the main pledges in Labour's manifesto for next month's local elections.

The document was launched by Barnet Council leader Alan Williams at a party rally held in Avenue House, East End Road, Finchley, on Monday.

Unveiling Labour's five key pledges, Mr Williams also promised smaller class sizes, tough action on crime and a chance for every resident to have a say on budget priorities.

In a triumphalist address that clearly pleasured a packed room of councillors, party workers and candidates, the leader said: "We believe local people should be in the driving seat of local government and this manifesto will put them there."

He confirmed that education was a top priority when he vowed to reduce class sizes to 30 or less for all five, six and seven-year-olds. Every four-year-old would have a nursery place from this September.

Both the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats are following hot on Labour's heels. When the Tories launch their manifesto tonight, they are expected to slash council tax and offer taxpayers a rebate of between £30 and £60.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto launch on Monday is understood to pledge more Local Agenda 21 environmental schemes, introduce daily town centre street cleaning and review school admission rules for a fairer deal for parents.

Full report next week.

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