By Cllr Rob White
In Reading under this Labour Council and government imposed austerity unfortunately poverty is getting worse. Sadly in Reading rough sleeping has gone up by a massive 60%. And rising energy and food bills are leaving many people with tough choices.
Greens voted against Labour’s plan to hike council rents by an eye watering 7%. For a family with a couple of children in a three-bedroom property a 7% increase in rent is an extra £435 per year.
Unfortunately Labour voted this through.
Things are even worse in the private sector with rents in some areas going up by as much as 20%. Greens want to see a freeze in rents and a ban on evictions.
Spotlight on Redlands Green Party candidate Kate Nikulina
The local Green Party has selected hard-working campaigner Kate Nikulina to stand in Redlands at the council election on Thursday, May 4.
Kate works in logistics and volunteers teaching English to Ukrainians.
Kate says: “It has been great to work with Redlands Green councillors Dave McElroy and Kathryn McCann to improve Redlands.
“We’ve tackled rubbish problems, antisocial behaviour and supported residents. It would be a privilege to represent Redlands if I’m elected.”
Fellow Redlands Green Councillor Dave McElroy says: “Kate is a caring and diligent campaigner and would make a fantastic councillor. Getting her elected would give Redlands more active, visible representation all year round.”
Donate to fund Green Party campaigning materials
The Green Party doesn’t have hedge fund managers making large donations. We rely on our many supporters giving a little when they can to pay for campaigning materials.
With elections coming up we need funding to elect Green councillors to make a difference and consolidate our position as the second-largest party on Reading Council.
If you have a spare £5, £10 or more please donate to our Crowdfunder campaign to pay for campaigning materials. All donations will be doubled. www.bit.ly/rdggreencrowd
Alternatively if you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
By Green Party councillor Rob White, leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council
