Torridge Green Party Local Manifesto

The Green Party's local agenda is based on a commitment to :

•  public ownership and control of essential services;
•   building partnerships with community and volunteer groups;
•  action against climate change and better protection from its effects.

HEALTH SERVICE – publicly owned, run and accountable
Retain all services at North Devon District Hospital and return those removed; Restore community hospital beds and minimise distance patients have to travel; Retain and support local facilities as centres for health and social care services.

EDUCATION - free, local and high quality
Campaign for funding of Devon schools to be raised to the average; Bring free schools and academies under elected local authorities;

ENERGY - clean and affordable
Instigate a district-wide energy efficiency and insulation programme; Improve energy efficiency and renewable generation from council assets; Reduce use of carbon fuels progressively.

FOOD PRODUCTION - local products for local markets Encourage local consumption from farms and fisheries; Campaign against intensive factory farming;
Promote the highest possible standards of animal welfare.

WASTE - volumes minimised and recycling maximised Prioritise reduction of waste and maximise recycling;
Take firm action against plastic pollution, litter and fly tipping.

ECONOMY – that works for all
Protect low paid workers by promoting the living wage and workers rights; Encourage use of local enterprises wherever possible and support start ups; Invest in youth employment, further education and training.

HOMES - that are secure and affordable
Build high quality social housing;
Support regulations to ensure fair rents;
Bring empty accommodation, including that above shops, into residential use;

PLANNING - that responds to people and environment Prioritise brownfield over greenfield sites;
Protect urban greenspaces, wildlife habitats and sports facilities;
Ensure necessary infrastructure imrovements precede new developments.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT - fully integrated, affordable and accessible Improve public transport making it cheaper and cleaner;
Restore local authority control over buses and put interests of passengers first; Extend a 20mph speed limit to more residential roads.

CULTURE, TOURISM AND SPORT - protect and enhance resources Improve walking and cycling routes including links to Tarka Trail;
Support and extend opportunities for the arts, sport and leisure;
Press for activities to engage and encourage children and young people.

Many public services save more money than they cost by preventing social and health problems. If you want a fairer and more equal society that puts people and planet before profits then vote for the Green Party

ONE WORLD ONE CHANCE

Produced and promoted by Ruth Funnell, Fairlight, Torridge View, Torrington, EX38 8DN, on behalf of the Green Party