TIM Farron laid into the Tories and Labour and outlined what he believes are 'the vital foundations to happy and healthy communities' in his rousing final speech at the Lib Dem Spring Conference.

He tore into the Conservative Party, criticising David Cameron's lack of response to the migrant crisis and Jeremy Hunt's handling of the NHS in front of hundreds of people at York's Barbican Centre today.

"David Cameron has been to Calais numerous times on his way to Brussels," said Mr Farron.

"But he's never got off the train. He refuses to meet the people there."

He continued: "Jeremy Hunt - enough is enough. You have lost the confidence of NHS staff and the British people. 

"The NHS is at risk in Tory hands."

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP also called George Osborne's economic plans 'a short-term scam'.

In what was a slightly left field addition to his 45 minute speech, Mr Farron criticised the Prime Minister's treatment of Afghan interpreters who have not been granted asylum, proclaiming: "Bring them back to Britain without delay."

But he did not limit his outrage to the Tories - he went on to bemoan the 'chaos' going on in the Labour Party, accusing it of 'letting government off the hook'.

Mr Farron went on to outline education, housing, the environment and health as his party's key priorities.

"They are essential for our communities and essentials in life," he said.

"All relying on Britain’s incredible public sector, and the people who work in it.

"All bound together in our core values that mean that no matter who you are, or where you’re from, you can have the best opportunity in life."

The Lib Dem Leader voiced his support for small businesses and vowed that his party would 'radically reform' the taxation system.

He said: "Instead of government fawning over the conglomerates, and getting to small business later, how about putting small business at the centre of our business economy.

"Let’s lift the smallest businesses out of paying rates and compensate local government for the reduction.

"Let’s allow the small, independent shops on our high streets to focus on growing rather than paying rates they can barely afford.

"And we need to ensure our taxation system is fit for the future.

"It will be the new micro breweries, the community hubs, the app developers, the new firms in our communities who will make the difference. 

"Some small businesses are small for good, the backbone of our economy.

"Some small businesses are small for now. If we back them now they will build our future.

"We need a system that works for all small businesses, the small for good, and the small for now.

"Ensuring our taxation system is a truly level playing field will take some work.

"That is why I am delighted that Vince Cable has agreed to chair an expert panel for me to look at how we radically reform the way we tax businesses.

"Over the next year, Vince’s team will come forward with a new approach, that’s fit for the future 

"Because when the system is broken, we Liberal Democrats will not defend it, we will fix it."

The overall tone of Mr Farron's community-focused, inclusive speech was summed-up when he said: "We will be the beacon of tolerance and acceptance.

"No matter who you are, where you're from or the colour of your skin we stand by your side."