The Wiltshire Labour party has launched its manifesto ahead of the May election with a focus on helping the county to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The manifesto places the growth of the local economy at its core. According to the document, this includes the creation of an enterprise investment bank, support for local business, developing the green economy and acquiring goods and services through local suppliers.
The party also sets out policies to tackle the climate emergency by supporting renewables and creating “greener transport” through the improvement of bus services, community transport, extending cycle routes and rolling out more electric car charging points.
The group says it will campaign to rebuild the county’s public services, support a sustainable economy and make local democracy more accountable and open.
Wiltshire Labour group leader, Ricky Rogers
Labour group leader, Ricky Rogers said: “Our plan is ambitious for Wiltshire, but it is also serious, pragmatic and affordable.
“We believe that Wiltshire Council should be working in partnership with local people and organisations to make our county a better place for all its people.”
Election pledges also include a promise to build more council houses while supporting tenants in the private sector, equipping disadvantaged pupils with laptops, as well as rebuilding services for young adults and improving social care support.
Kath Davis (candidate for Marlborough East), Phil Atkins, Terry Sartain, Jason Haythornthwaite, Rachael Ross (candidate for Pewsey) and Sally Bates. Date is November 2019. Photocredit Bob Naylor.
Neighbourhood policing would also see a come back with a guise to tackle domestic violence.
To make local government more transparent, the party proses to trial a Citizens’ Assemblies, where local people are randomly selected to take part in decision making.
Rachael Ross, Labour candidate for Pewsey
Wiltshire Labour’ Campaign Forum chairman, Rachael Ross, who is standing for election in Pewsey, said: “Our manifesto draws on expertise across all sectors and sets out a positive vision of hope for the future.”
“Instead of running down vital youth services or closing much valued public assets, we will lobby for fair funding, ensuring value for money for public services, and put people and planet at the heart of all our decisions”.
Left to right: Will Stallard, Thomas Culshaw, Dan, Nick Sorensen, Jan Stallard, Theo Passingham, Molly Hawkins and Emily Pomroy-Smith Photo taken in 2019
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