Plaid: Targeting 'grey vote'

Plaid Cymru has unveiled its manifesto for older people, pledging free long-term care for the elderly and the introduction of a citizens' pension.

The nationalist party has also taken up the Lib Dems' call for the "unjust" council tax to be replaced with a local income tax.

Plaid says this would save the average Welsh pensioner couple £600 a year.

Hywel Williams and Eurig Wyn, the party's candidates for Caernarfon and Ynys Mon, were launching the document in Llangefni, North Wales.

Plaid Cymru also want to scrap the Barnett formula, which governs the amount of taxpayers' money Wales receives from the UK exchequer.

The nationalists claim it is unfair and under a replacement system Wales' public services would receive more funding.

Plaid says its opposition to the closure of public services and its pledge to cut NHS waiting times would benefit older voters too.

"Plaid Cymru will be the voice for the people of Wales in Westminster," Williams said.

"This includes the older people of Wales, who need to have the support of MPs speaking up for their interests in the House of Commons.

"We will continue to oppose the closure of local services and facilities such as post offices and benefits offices - closures which will necessitate travelling greater distances."

Wyn added: "Of course, older people are affected by all the same issues that affect younger people – but there are some problems which are of additional special concern.

"Plaid Cymru has policies which we believe can tackle issues which particularly affect older people.

"In particular, council tax is unjust, and we believe that it should be replaced by a fairer system of local income tax, based on the ability to pay.

"This would save a couple in Wales on the state pension at least £600 a year."