READING’S Green Party says its priority in the local elections is to create a town that is fairer, greener and more affordable.
The party’s manifesto for the May 5 local elections features 12 points, all aimed at living out that pledge.
The group has aspirations for becoming Reading’s second-largest party in this year’s all-out poll. In recent years, it has overtaken the Liberal Democrats, made Park ward its stronghold and started to expand into other wards.
It is hoping it can make additional gains due to May’s all-out ballot, where all 48 council seats are up for grabs.
Understandably for a eco-minded party, its first priorty is on climate action, pledging to double Reading’s tree cover, boost zero carbon commitments and protecting wildlife.
Insulating homes is a top priority for the party, as part of its plan to tackle poverty. It also wants all organisations to commit to paying a Living Wage.
Boosting affordable housing in a bid to tackle rough sleeping is a pledge, as is ensuring all landlords are licensed – this goes further than the voluntary scheme Reading Borough Council launched before the elections.
The party wants to boost community initiatives, making it easier for residents to launch play street schemes and street parties.
Glass recycling from the kerbside collections will, the party says, help clean-up Reading, while the promotion of reuse groups will promote better waste management.
Another key green commitment is to tackle air pollution and congestion by promotion walking and cycling options.
And air quality is a priority for schools – to help in the wake of the covid pandemic, the party wants to push for well ventilated classrooms.
The party would also prioritise mental health support for children and adults, as well as meals for vulnerable households during school holidays.
Greens say they would also work to protect budgets aimed at tackling addiction to alcohol, drugs, or gambling.
There would be support for carers, including championing Unison’s Ethical Care Charter, pushing for an end to zero-hour contracts and rushed 15-minute care visits.
A push for shops to prioritise locally sourced and affordable food is part of the party’s push to support the high street, and the Greens would also champion Reading-based artists and conservation areas to strength culture and protect heritage for the future.
In an article in today’s Reading Today, Jamie Whitham says: “Avote for one of the old, tired, parties is a vote for another councillor who will turn up at meetings, never speak, and vote as they’re told.
“That’s not how to stand up for people and it won’t change things in Reading.
“We hope to win all the seats in Redlands, Katesgrove and Park wards and may be elsewhere. This helps build a fairer, greener, more affordable Reading.”
You can see the Green Party manifesto at: https://reading.greenparty.org.uk/manifesto/
