A FAIRER, BETTER FUTURE
Hello everyone. I’m Anne Barr from the Green Party.
Can I pass on apologies from our 4 Green councillors for not being here – they’re all inside the Town Hall at today’s Council meeting.
What have today’s Autumn Budget Statement debates told us?
For me, they’ve confirmed that all 3 of the main political parties imply yet more austerity.
But we’ve pledged to tackle poverty and inequality. We’d reverse the widening gap between the rich and the less well-off.
We need to invest in the services that matter. Better public transport and better safety for cyclists and pedestrians – not more road-building.
More affordable housing, plus energy efficiency (like good insulation) and renewable energy. Creating worthwhile jobs, reducing fuel poverty and moving towards a low-carbon future.
We must raise the minimum wage immediately to “living wage” levels – with a £10 an hour minimum wage by 2020. End zero hours contracts. Halt the attack on people receiving welfare benefits.
And the NHS needs more funding. To provide more front-line staff, with decent pay and conditions – that’s why Greens have been supporting the current pay campaign.
We must reverse the real damage caused by NHS privatisation and constant changes.
Those are just a few examples. And where would the money come from?
We’ve pressed for years for tackling tax avoidance and closing tax loopholes. And a wealth tax so the richest pay their fair share.
If we all stand together, we can get the changes everyone needs. More equality, not austerity. Not a squandering of people’s lives, but a better future for everyone.
Thanks very much