THE OFFICIAL Green Party opposition will run for re-election with a pledge to continue to hold Solihull Council to account.
The party will hope to improve on its total of 11 councillors next Thursday (May 2) with members standing in 14 wards.
It conceded the controlling Conservatives will likely gain another significant majority but has promised to scrutinise the council at every opportunity.
The Green Party says members will push for more action on what residents tell them is important.
The manifesto states: “Politics is broken right now. The Westminster parties are letting everyone down.
“Things needed to change. A key reason people vote for the Green Party in Solihull is that we do things differently.
“We listen to residents, we know we are here to serve people, we treat people with respect and we tell the truth even when it’s painful to hear.”
Its manifesto highlights issues such as challenging the decision in Shirley to cut three-hours free parking at council operated off-street car parks to just one hour to be in line with Knowle.
Fighting dangerous driving and inconsiderate parking is also prioritised.
The Greens also want to see a fairer distribution of new housing with fewer around Shirley.
The manifesto adds the party want to tackle loneliness, stand up for vulnerable adults and children and make sure everyone has enough money to live on and ‘decent’ jobs are created.
They say other issues include action on climate change and single-use plastics, reducing litter and protecting ‘valuable’ green spaces.
The manifesto states: “A vote for the Green Party is a vote for councillors who will behave in a way that will make you proud.
“It’s a vote for trying to work respectfully with others.
“It’s a vote to make sure the Council isn’t entirely dominated by one party, but has other strong voices to hold it to account.
“And it’s a vote for councillors who will take the time to listen to you then faithfully represent you, and will keep in touch all year, every year.”
