The state of Britain’s economy is undoubtedly one of the key battlegrounds of this general election. The coalition government has repeatedly said that the austerity measures enforced over the past five years have helped to get the economy growing, but critics would argue that in places like Bolton — where the authority has had to save more than £100 million from its budget during the parliament — there is little evidence of a recovery.

Labour candidate David Crausby believes that areas like Bolton have borne the brunt of what he calls an “extreme” cuts programme.

He said: “The cuts have brought economic growth to a standstill for years when the recovery should have begun years ago, even now no economic recovery is being felt in Bolton.

“Labour would make sure that the economy works for everyone — we will reverse the Tory tax cuts for millionaires, clamp down on tax avoidance and introduce a mansion tax for homes worth more than £2 million.

“This will allow us to protect the public services that people in Bolton depend on and put money back in people’s pockets to address the cost of living crisis.”

James Daly wants voters to stick with the Conservatives, who he said have a “proven track record” on the economy.

He said: “My party has a record of reducing the tax burden on those earning lower incomes which means locals are keeping more of their own money and spending it as they see fit.

“Since 2010 approximately 1,000 jobs have been created per day and as the economy continues to grow, more job opportunities will be created in Bolton North East, changing and enhancing people’s lives.

“Conservatives have a proven economic track record in government which has seen massive investment in infrastructure, transport and support for business in Bolton.”

Liberal Democrat Steven Rock accepts that being in a coalition government has been “difficult” but feels his party have been able to limit some of the effect of the cuts.

He said: “Labour has been a party both locally and nationally that has borrowed money to keep the electorate happy.

“Our country had borrowed too much and we had to tighten our belts — to reverse this the Conservatives would rather have cut everything so we lose a lot of services some of which are essential.

“Being in a coalition has been difficult but it has given us the chance to limit the cuts that have been made.

“We believe in a fare society for all those on small incomes, we will reduce the tax burden by bringing many out of tax altogether and have already done this for millions giving them more expendable income helping the economy.”

For Green party candidate Laura Diggle, the priority is to put an end to austerity, she said: “The Greens are entirely opposed to the austerity measures introduced under the coalition government, including the bedroom tax and the cap of welfare benefits.

“We would strive for a more equal society, which would be more secure and sustainable.

“I would tackle poverty and inequality by advocating a living wage, scrapping zero-hour contracts, and supporting energy efficiency schemes to cut fuel bills.

“Our economy needs investment in infrastructure such as social housing and renewable energy schemes and public services, and in skills such as free education and apprenticeships for those who want them.

“I want to back small businesses over multi-nationals and take action on big business’ exploitation of tax loopholes.”

UKIP’s contender in Bolton North East, Harry Lamb says his party has a “fully funded” plan to deal with the economy.

He added: “We will raise billions by getting rid of foreign aid, leaving the EU, abolishing HS2 bullet train proposals and we will keep energy prices low by opposing extremely expensive climate change schemes such as wind farms and solar panels.

“We will use this money to ensure that those on the minimum wage do not pay income tax, to invest in the NHS, scrap the bedroom tax and build one million homes on brownfield sites.”