Laurence George Rankin

Green councillors are independent voices, allowed to act for the common good without being constrained by a party 'whip' or dogma. Green Party policy is to end privatisation of our NHS and secure free social care for the elderly, funded by a fair system of taxation where all - including big corporations - contribute their fair share. These tax revenues would also help fund a better living wage, child benefit and removal of tuition fees. It goes without saying that Greens support renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and tidal, and want to phase out global-warming fossil fuels including shale gas from fracking. The UN has made clear we have a limited window of opportunity before 2030 to limit climate breakdown; with the Government in Westminster failing to take the action needed, Green Party councillors are stepping up across the UK to take action locally. Green councillors will change the culture of how we do local politics, promoting equality and justice, supporting the most vulnerable in our communities, working to save heritage, libraries, shops and pubs, putting green space and public access above developer profit, and making our streets cleaner and safer for the public.