Tristan Ashby, public sector worker

Tristan Ashby is 30, and is office manager for the Retained Firefighters' Union at their headquarters at Attleborough, in Norfolk.

His wife Kelly has a part time job as a police officer in Norwich, so between them they have plenty of experience of employment in the public sector.

The couple have a 22-month-old daughter, Elizabeth, so it is not surprising that education is one of their main concerns.

But they are also anxious to see improvements to the NHS, and more money spent on providing recreational facilities.

"We want to see more money on youth clubs and play areas. That would get kids off the street, and reduce crime. So a small outlay would have a cost saving in the long run.

"NHS waiting lists are too long. My grandfather was on a list, and we feel that if he'd been higher on that list, he might still be here today, but unfortunately he's not."

But unlike some voters, who say they would accept higher taxation to pay for improvements to public services, Mr and Mrs Ashby feel there is a better way.

"We need to go back to basics, listen to what doctors, nurses and teachers are saying, and cut the bureaucracy and paper work," says Tristan.

Although he and his wife would be opposed to an increase in personal taxation, he says they would accept an increase in tax on non-essential items.

"If they wanted to increase duty on cigarettes and alcohol, or anything that's a luxury, that's fine. You have got a choice," he says.

But the cost of transport is a concern. The family moved to their present home to be close to Tristan's place of work, so they could reduce their expenses.

"I was spending about £200 a month on petrol. We still have to run two cars, though. Kelly needs one to get to her job in Norwich, which is about 15 miles away, and we need the other car for the little one, even though we may only use it five times a month."

So an alternative method of taxing cars, reflecting how much they are actually used, would be welcomed in this household.