UKIP on Teesside: What are the main policies - and how would they affect you?

The rise of UKIP has - with the Scottish Referendum - been one of the biggest stories in British politics in 2014.

Gazette reporter James Cain has been looking at the party's progress on Teesside over the last year.

UKIP’s Policies - Policies for People?

With regard to uncontrolled immigration, UKIP say that while they recognise the benefits of controlled immigration, they would leave the EU, and “take back control of our borders”.

In terms of tax, UKIP say they would increase personal allowance to £13,500 by the next election and abolish inheritance tax.

To reduce the deficit, UKIP say that leaving the EU will save at least £8bn a year in net contributions.

A further £9bn a year would be saved by cutting the foreign aid budget and prioritising disaster relief.

Whole government departments would feel the swing of the axe - the Department of Energy and Climate Change would be abolished along with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

The HS2 high-speed rail proposals would also be scrapped.

UKIP also promise to reduce Barnett Formula spending, which disproportionately allocates public funds to Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales - devolved parliaments and assemblies would be given further tax powers to compensate.

On the NHS, UKIP say they would ensure the NHS remains free at the point of delivery and time of need for all UK residents.

Private finance initiatives in the NHS would be stopped and plans to charge patients for visiting their GP would be opposed.

A full list of UKIP policies can be found here.

Want to read more about UKIP on Teesside?

Here's what Teesside's MPs had to say about the party and here's an academic's view on its successes in 2014.

Also, here's what some of the party's members had to say.