'Unique' Government reform plans unveiled

A banking levy and pledges to scrap the ID card scheme are among the coalition Government's plans for reform.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said the full details of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat deal have been strengthened by the need for compromise.

Mr Clegg said: "Not one party's ideas, not even just two parties' ideas, but a joint programme for government based on shared ambitions and shared goals."

Mr Clegg, who spoke first as Mr Cameron sat in the audience, said the Government wanted to be defined by "freedom, fairness and responsibility."

The agreement covers 31 areas ranging from banking to universities and further education.

It commits the coalition Government to introducing a banking levy, and an independent commission will examine the former Lib Dem commitment to separate retail and investment banking - with a report due in a year's time.

The administration will "seek to ensure an injection of private capital into Royal Mail, including opportunities for employee ownership." Post Office Ltd will remain in public ownership, according to the document.

It confirms pledges to scrap the ID card scheme and national identity register, and introduce a Freedom Bill.

The coalition agreement has also consigned the controversial Home Information Packs to the history books.

Property sellers will no longer be required to spend money on providing information details before they can market their homes.

Campaigners criticised the packs, introduced in 2007, saying they failed to help home buyers and discouraged people from putting their property on the market.