Families would see their tax bills drop under a Conservative government, William Hague has claimed.

The Conservatives shifted their attention back to tax on Tuesday claiming that Labour had hit families hard.

"Over the last four years Britain's families have borne the brunt of labour's stealth taxes," Hague told the press conference. "Taxes are up by £28 billion since 1997, the equivalent of a 10 pence increase in the basic rate of income tax."

The party outlined its proposals for families - with Hague adding there should be special recognition for married couples.

Under Conservative proposals a single-wage household would pay £1,400 less tax, a widowed mother would pay £1,390 less tax and a couple who both work would be better off by £490-a-year.

"At a time when our major competitors in Europe and the United States are reducing the burden of tax on their families and businesses, we can chose to do the same," Hague said.