The Green Party has launched a manifesto for Reading ahead of the council election on Thursday, May 7, promising affordable homes, better public services and cleaner neighbourhoods with stronger climate action.
They say Reading mirrors the national picture: rising housing need, growing inequality and pressure on local services. The Greens point out Labour delivered just 11 affordable homes last year against a target of 169, while new council builds are about the same as homes lost through Right to Buy.
Greens are already the borough's second-largest group on Reading Borough Council and say winning more seats would help them hold the Labour administration to account and push for change.
The manifesto's priorities are properly funded council services, more affordable housing, urgent home insulation to cut energy bills, cleaner air and streets, support for local businesses, better public transport and stronger communities.
They point to their record of campaigning for affordable housing, fairer social care, action on climate change, improved road safety and better local services as proof their approach focuses on practical improvements to everyday life.
Councillor Louise Keane (Green, Katesgrove), the deputy leader of the main opposition party on the council, said: "People in Reading feel let down. They're paying more but getting less, while big problems like housing, poverty and pollution are not being fixed. Greens are different. We're not afraid to criticise Labour government failures and we work hard all year round and stand up for local people.
"This campaign is about offering hope and real change. We will fight for proper funding, warmer homes, better services and a cleaner environment. With more Green councillors, we can hold the council to account and start to build the fairer, greener, cleaner Reading that residents deserve.
"Vote Green at the council election on Thursday, May 7 and make hope normal again."
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
