Bristol Green Party launches manifesto, promising ‘hope and action’ for Bristol

The Bristol Green Party launched their manifesto today, Thursday, April 11th, three weeks before the city goes to the polls. 

The manifesto launch comes a week after the party launched its local election campaign in Bristol, with a pledge from the national party to support councils to massively increase their supply of affordable housing. In their manifesto, the Bristol Green Party have pledged to increase the city’s target of affordable homes from the current 600 homes per year to 1,000 per year.

Other key policies include: 

Better transport for Bristol  

• Make public transport and active travel easy choices by investing in walking and cycling infrastructure. 
• Create low traffic neighbourhoods and complete those already being developed. 
• Push for bus franchising and full public control. 
• Introduce a Workplace Parking Levy to tackle congestion and fund alternative travel options. 

Right homes, right place, right price 

• Campaign for councils like Bristol to be given the power to introduce rent controls
• Set up a council-owned company alongside Goram to rent out social homes.
• Make sure the 14,000 homes with planning permission are built, as well as continuing work to get empty buildings back into use as homes. 

Getting back on track for net-zero 

• Campaign for councils like Bristol to be given the power to introduce rent controls
• Continue to decarbonise the council, public housing, and ensure that initiatives are in place for private sector homes.
• Improve efficiency standards for new homes and work to insulate the city’s existing council homes.
• From 2025, introduce a carbon budget process alongside the annual financial budgeting process.

Cllr Emma Edwards, Leader of the Green Group of Councillors on Bristol City Council, said, “Over the last three years, Bristol Green Councillors have worked tirelessly to hold the administration to account and introduce measures to improve housing, transport, public safety and so much more. All while in opposition. 

“ As we move into the committee system from May, Bristol has the opportunity to put Green policy at the heart of all decision making, and we are ready. 

“That is why I am proud to present this manifesto, which clearly lays out how we would meet the challenges of our city with clear, practical solutions. 

“As strong advocates for the new committee system, Bristol Green Party is committed to a new type of politics for Bristol, one of openness and transparency. With this open and complete policy agenda, this starts now.”

Notes: 

• Full manifesto attached and available online here – https://bristolgreenparty.org.uk//wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bristol-Green-Party-Manifesto-May-2024.pdf