Liberal Democrats in Wales have launched their manifesto for next month's local elections.

Like the party in Westminster, Welsh Lib Dems have pledged to scrap the council tax and replace it with a local income tax, while promising changes to the voting system and a reduction in the minimum age for voters and candidates.

Policies also include free personal care for the elderly, and moves to limit class sizes in all schools to 25.

"The council elections will be about council tax," said Mike German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Welsh assembly.

"The unfair tax was introduced by Michael Howard's Conservatives and has been made more and more unfair by Labour.

"Only the Liberal Democrats are in a position to change it to a local income tax.  Local income tax is fairer, simpler to understand and collect, and more popular. 

"Local income tax is fairer, simpler to understand and collect and more popular. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats will be like an axe through the arteries of the council tax.

"In campaigning across Wales, we have been holding 'Axe the Tax' street referenda. Of the 2,951 votes cast,  88 per cent agreed that the council tax should be abolished, with 80 per cent supporting the fair alternative of a local income tax.

"Community empowerment will be at the heart of the Welsh Liberal Democrat campaign.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats will ensure that local government connects with local people, giving them the power to solve local problems and to engage with their local services."