Policy Announcements, Monday 10 September

Government  

• Gordon Brown has defended his decision to hold down this year's public sector pay rise, saying he does not want a return to "boom and bust" economics. The prime minister told the TUC in Brighton that financial discipline was essential to prevent inflation, to maintain growth and to create jobs. He received a lukewarm reaction, with some union members holding up placards opposing the below-inflation pay rises. The PM also unveiled plans to create 500,000 jobs for British workers.  

Conservatives  

• A stamp duty rebate for home-buyers who improve domestic energy efficiency is to be proposed by the Conservatives' Quality of Life policy group this week. It also proposes council tax and VAT cuts - and capping the energy use of appliances like TVs and fridges. As details of Thursdays report emerged, leader David Cameron said he would put up green taxes "and use the proceeds to reduce taxes elsewhere". Labour questioned the tax calculations. The Lib Dems say the Tories are split.