The local Courier newspaper asked us why you should vote Green in local elections.
This is what we said:
The key Green Party priority is efficient services that help everyone, particularly our most vulnerable, and make our area special. This will be challenging due to the financial mess created by Conservative, Labour and Independents voting for budgets that leave a £3.5m black hole with no balanced medium term financial plan. Without a sensible approach to finance, ‘discretionary’ services such as community centres and the arts could close; we even risk jeopardising basic services like waste and litter collection, planning enforcement, and tackling homelessness.
The cost-of-living crisis highlights the need for residents to dramatically reduce their heating bills, which is why the Green Party will create a retrofit programme that supports renters and homeowners to insulate properties and reduce energy bills. We will also reduce energy bills in council buildings, helping meet the council’s net zero target and saving money for the taxpayer.
The Conservative-run councils have allowed developers to get away with building 1000s of houses without the right transport infrastructure or facilities like GPs and shops. The changes down Europa Way are costing £40m but even by their own calculations, congestion will still be terrible; it will be difficult and dangerous for some residents to walk to the shops. For years, the Green Party has been campaigning for safer walking and cycle routes for short journeys to school, leisure and work so when we do need to use our cars we’re not stuck in traffic.
Similarly, Greens will continue to campaign to keep the green corridor between Kenilworth and Coventry and stop the Conservative’s plan for a new A46 link road. With all the development in Kenilworth, we need to enhance our green spaces – helping nature to help us.The cost-of-living crisis, inflation and the skills shortages mean there’s no quick fix to solve the problems we face, but Green Party councillors are always looking for prudent, positive, and practical solutions. We will continue to listen to and work with residents, community groups and other political parties to achieve these aims.
