In a national economic crisis that is hitting residents across the city hard, Greens put forward a plan for the city’s local economy to flourish
In the midst of a continuing economic crisis, Greens say that the city desperately needs a focus on “bold ideas” to keep the city thriving.
Despite the difficult financial circumstances the council is in after thirteen years of Conservative Government cuts, Greens say they have “responded with action”. Greens cite policies such as the increase of pay for 3,800 of the lowest paid council staff, a donation fund to help redistribute support towards the people struggling most with the rising costs of living and the introduction of food donation points in council buildings to help support our vital emergency food network, as helping to support residents through a “Conservative Government economic disaster”.
Ahead of the election on 4th May, Greens have laid out their economic vision. While they stress that support for the cost-of-living must continue, Greens also have ambitions beyond immediate relief, arguing that the local economy needs to be enabled to flourish to withstand the long-term trends and pressures of the national situation.
In their manifesto, Greens highlight plans to develop the circular economy, which emphasises a systematic approach to reusing and repurposing across production cycles. They also highlight the need for local production such as via developing sustainable local farming, and working with Hydrogen Sussex to invest in hydrogen across the region. The Greens’ plan emphasises that the key tackling the climate crisis is also the key to tackling the economic crisis.
Ben Simmonds, Green Party candidate for Kemptown said:
“Greens have bold ideas for, sorting out the local economy, protecting our city from the Conservative Government’s economic disaster and allowing Brighton & Hove to not just survive, but flourish. To do that, we must build a sustainable economy with green ideas like recycling and local production at its heart.
“We must work on the basis that an economy must serve people, not the other way around. That is why we will build on the 860 plus Living Wage employers already established, and further promote the adoption of the Brighton & Hove Living Wage, working with local businesses on a Good Employment Charter.”