THE Tories will “offer incentives” to residents who use fewer council services, their election manifesto has revealed.

In a thinly veiled reference to their future shape policy, which has been branded easyCouncil, the document states people will have the opportunity to “tailor certain council services” and outlines plans to work with other public bodies “to cut duplication of services”.

The measures are identified as cost saving although Conservative chiefs believe they will be able to provide better services as a result.

Services will be “more efficient, more effective and more responsive” under the plans, and will be simpler to access, according to councillors.

Speaking on yesterday's launch, leader of the Barnet Council, Councillor Lynne Hillan, said: “We can improve council services and local education standards even further, and we will give the customer much greater choice and control.

“The next few years will mean difficult choices for the public sector, but we have shown we can deliver high quality services and reduce costs.

“We will give you the choice to tailor certain council services to your own needs and offer incentives to those who use fewer Council services.”

The easyCouncil policies, which have been likened to services provided by budget airlines, have been widely criticised by opponents, who believe they are confusing for many residents and will create inequalities in the provision of services to many who are unable to afford extra for them.

The controversial plans for cuts to sheltered warden services are also alluded to in the 2010 local election manifesto.

It states that as an authority, they will “create an environment that enables independence” and offer a “helping hand when required”, while there will be more help for people to live “independent, dignified lives”.

It also claims: “More people are now able to live independently in their own homes rather than being forced into institutional care.

“Those unable to help themselves have been supported.”

Overall, the Tories claim they have delivered “excellent schools, green open spaces, low council tax, high quality council services”.

They have highlighted six “key pledges” which include freezing council tax for two years with a Conservative government, a drive to make our schools the best in the country and delivering better services for less money.

Plans also focus on protecting green belt and open spaces, transforming services and continuing to collect rubbish on a weekly basis.