Tackling cost-of-living crisis ‘top priority’ at Wales Green Party manifesto launch

A raft of measures to help people with the cost of living and bring hope back to the people of Wales were announced today by Wales Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter as he launched the party's manifesto in Port Talbot. 

Speaking ahead of the launch, Anthony Slaughter said: 

“The people of Wales have been shafted by a succession of Westminster governments and Labour rule in Wales - leaving so many of us struggling everyday just to survive. That's why we have prioritised actions to help people with the cost-of-living crisis. 

“Our vision is a Wales where everyone can live in dignity, is respected, and has a decent standard of living and well-being. It's a place where people can thrive, supported by a landscape that is not just protected but is being brought back to life. 

“Our comprehensive plan of action – from arts and culture to health and education - will improve peoples' lives and bring back hope to this country we love. We are ready to play our part in government - and we will fight for every vote.” 

Cost of living measures announced today include  

• Introducing universal childcare for children aged nine months to four years 

• Extending universal free school meals to secondary schools 

• Investing in clean, home-grown energy to keep our bills down and protect us from global energy shocks 

• Tackling homelessness by banning no-fault evictions, investing in prevention and ensuring refuge accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse 

• Training people up to retrofit our houses, so that our homes are warm, keep down bills and tackle climate change at the same time 

These go alongside previously announced pledges which will also bring down costs: 

• A rent freeze followed by rent controls to tackle spiralling housing costs 

• £1 bus fares – to help make transport accessible to all 

• Replacing council tax with a land value tax paid by landlords rather than tenants 

• Pushing for genuine public ownership of Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water to bring down bills, make our beaches safe for our children, and bring our rivers back to life 

A recent poll suggests that Wales Green Party will likely play the role of ‘kingmakers' as a wave of Green candidates take up seats in the Senedd after the nation's first election under a system of proportional representation. Analysis of the poll suggests that voting for the Green Party is the best way to keep Reform candidates out of power, as Wales Greens are their main challenger in six out of the eight most marginal seats. The Wales Green Party's full slate of candidates can be found here.  

Key policy announcements in the manifesto published today include: 

Economy 

• Call for the devolution of the Crown Estate so that Wales can control its renewable energy resources and keep the economic benefits 

• Support a gradual shift to a four-day working week 

• Call for greater borrowing powers for the Senedd 

• Strengthen the Welsh Revenue Authority to ensure wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share 

• Make sure public procurement supports local businesses - keeping money circulating in the local economy 

• Support local enterprises, cooperatives and community led initiatives 

Housing 

• Build social housing at the scale and pace needed 

Transport 

• Invest in an improved and expanded rail system 

• Prioritise fixing potholes and unsafe road surfaces over road building 

• Invest in active travel and car-share schemes 

Environment 

• Act urgently to restore and protect the ecosystems that sustain and enrich us by ensuring Natural Resources Wales is properly resourced to carry out its duties and developing a National Rewilding Strategy 

• Introduce a Welsh Right to Roam 

• Become more self-sufficient in food production with a National Horticulture Strategy and expand organic food production with an Organic Action Plan 

Education 

• Make schools phone-free 

• End the closure of small rural schools 

• Reward teachers for planning and preparation time 

Health 

• Shift healthcare spending toward prevention with local health and wellbeing hubs, earlier intervention and integrated care 

• Invest in GP and dental services 

• Undertake a suite of measures to end corridor care 

Culture 

• Invest in arts and culture for all 

• Strengthen Welsh language use in communities and public life 

Democracy and governance 

• Extend public participation in decision-making through citizens' assemblies and participatory budgeting 

• Commission an assessment of Brexit's impact on Wales and strengthen our engagement with our European partners