Green Party 2016 Election Statement - Find voice for fairer society

New houses in Oldham and Saddleworth. Pic shows Northcote Avenue, Derker.

OLDHAM and Saddleworth Green Party believes that by ensuring each individual voice is heard and listened to, we can build a society that works for the common good: a fairer society that protects the environment.

As active members of the local community, we realise that people in Oldham are worried about the effect of immigration on jobs, housing and public services.

The lack of decent, affordable housing, job opportunities, low pay and pressures on health and council services are the result of government policies: the Green Party has the policies to resolve these problems.

Our policies are about opposing cuts and privatisation of our NHS and public services, creating jobs, supporting a real living wage of £8.25 an hour for all workers and providing affordable, warm homes.

To produce more housing we will exploit local brownfield sites, whilst protecting and improving green spaces. We will work with builders, housing associations, co-operative and self builders to ensure a diverse range of properties will be built.

We will push for new housing to be built with better energy efficiency to keep energy bills and carbon emissions low.

Green Party candidates recognise the importance of prosperous local businesses to our town.

We will make loans more attainable and reduce business rates, making it easier for small businesses across the borough, and helping those starting up new businesses.

We will promote high-quality apprenticeships for young people and for those wishing to upgrade their skill sets.

Oldham Council, under the Green Party, will increase the number of apprentice opportunities across all sectors, and with all apprentices being paid the National Living Wage.

We will aim to attract new employers into Oldham offering well-paid, high productivity jobs.

With Green Party councillors we can work together as a community to make Oldham a harmonious and prosperous place.