READING Labour is pledging to create more council homes if it wins re-election next month.
The party made the promise, and 100 others, which includes provision for key workers and those needing extra-care housing, in its manifesto, launched last week.
The project will see the council invest £88 million over four years, with the aim of reducing the housing waiting lists and increase the number of affordable homes to rent.
Part of this is a pledge to implement a ‘presumptive yes’ policy for pets in sheltered accommodation, boosting climate emergency measures to save energy, and take firm action against rogue landlords.
Other promises include targeted work to tackle economic inequalities in neighbourhoods, including support for entrepreneurs looking to launch small businesses or self-employment.
It also wants to boost public transport, increase the number of electric vehicle charging points, and expand the town’s road resurfacing programme, with £8 million planned for the next three years.
Families are promised new play equipment, with more accessible and inclusive items installed.
And there will be investment and action to help boost Reading’s activities to tackle the climate emergency.
In all, there are 100 promises to Reading residents that Labour would action if it was re-elected on May 5.
In the foreword to the manifesto, council leader Jason Brock wrote about the rising cost of living, warning that it will affect everyone living in Reading, including the council.
“Labour councillors are doing what (they) can to reduce the impact for those hardest hit,” they warn. This includes more council tax support and a targeted programme of work to help lower-income families share in Reading’s economic success.
This year’s local elections sees every Reading seat up for re-election after changes to wards caused by a Boundary Commission review.
Labour’s manifesto can be viewed at: https://readinglabour.org.uk/reading-labour-manifesto-2022/
