THE LABOUR Party in Rugby has spelled out its priorities for May’s local elections in its new manifesto, titled ‘A Common Sense Plan for the Future of our Community’.
The manifesto outlines the party’s six pledges to ‘strengthen the community and the economy of the town and its neighbouring areas’ – accessible housing, better infrastructure, safer neighbourhoods, a reimagined town centre, action on heritage, and a green future.
It includes a ‘radical reimagining’ of the town centre, promising to audit empty buildings and identify those that could be brought back into use, such as a hub for self-employed people, small businesses and others, and a separate hub for council and voluntary services.
The party claims it would address the lack of affordable housing and social rented accommodation by establishing a council-owned not-for-profit Homes for Rent company which would rent properties at prices in line with current council housing and reinvest money in future house building.
The manifesto also sets out Labour’s ideas to invest in infrastructure like roads, schools and health services, regulate Houses in Multiple Occupancy in the town centre, and call for more services at the Hospital of St Cross and more locally-based ambulances.
The party says its environmental plans would boost the local economy and tackle climate change by buying council products from local suppliers, insulating homes and switching to local energy producers.
The manifesto outlines a plan to tackle fly-tipping by funding local litter-picking and community gardens.
Labour also plans establish community forums for residents, police and councillors to highlight crime and anti-social behaviour hotspots.
Rugby Labour Group Leader Coun Maggie O’Rourke said the manifesto offered ‘hope for a better future’.
She said: “Rugby Labour’s manifesto sets out an imaginative and innovative programme that we believe can rebuild the trust of voters in Rugby.
“Its fully costed pledges show that a Labour-run Borough Council has the ideas, energy and vision to lead a renewal of our town centre, to champion our borough’s proud heritage, and to address voters’ deep concerns about the issues that matter.
“Twelve years of Tory rule nationally, aided and abetted by local Tory councillors, have shown that the Conservatives are not on the side of working people and their families. People now face a Conservative cost-of-living crisis with prices, bills and taxes up and twelve years of Tory cuts biting harder than ever.
“It doesn’t have to be like this, and the May 5 local elections are an opportunity for voters to send a message to the Tories.
“Our talented and committed Labour candidates have the right experience and values to work alongside the community to build a better future for Rugby. Our manifesto shows that Labour is a Party that is on the side of voters.”
The Rugby Borough Council elections will be held on May 5.
Visit www.rugbylabour.co.uk/documents-forms to read the full Rugby Labour Group manifesto.
