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Ed Miliband has launched Labour's local election campaign focusing on anti-social behaviour, the NHS and employment.
Speaking in Birmingham, he said last month's Budget shows ministers are out of touch and have "abandoned Middle Britain". Instead, Mr Miliband pledged to "govern for the whole country, not just for the wealthy few."
On living standards, the Labour leader promised to take action to deal with rising rail fares, energy bills and low costs airlines who he claimed were "ripping off" the public.
He once again attacked the Government over the Health and Social Care Bill, but promised that Labour councils would be "the last line of defence against the fragmentation of the NHS".
Moving on to crime, Mr Miliband stressed the importance of letting police "nip problems in the bud" by coming down hard on anti-social behaviour.
Also speaking at the launch, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described cuts to police numbers as "shocking" and "deeply, deeply destructive". She also argued
He said: "Instead of just giving people a caution knowing they will commit further offences, those who do the wrong thing should be forced to make it up to the victim.
"Make good on the damage they have caused, help rebuild the community project, clean up the graffiti, fix a wrecked garden."
02/04/2012
02/04/2012 on BBC News
Summaries and transcripts from TV and radio
Today on Week in Westminster, BBC Radio 4
Today on Week in Westminster, BBC Radio 4
Today on Week in Westminster, BBC Radio 4
16/05/2013