Many of the challenges we face are global, but we know that solutions can and must be delivered at a local level. Last summer, the Scottish Greens made history by becoming the first Greens to enter central government in UK history.
Action by the Scottish Greens has already led to free bus travel for young people, unprecedented action on single-use plastics and record investments in recycling, nature restoration and active travel.
Now, more than ever, we need to empower our councils to carry on this work for our communities. Green Councillors across Scotland have made a real difference already, opposing destructive developments, leading local authority action on the climate emergency and saving vital local assets like libraries and swimming pools.
This election is an opportunity for Scottish Green Councillors to play an even bigger role, entering councils that have never benefited from a Green voice before and leading change across Scotland.
Candidates have been listening to their communities and have set out local manifestos that reflect local needs and lead the way with the transformation required to meet national and global challenges. They can be found at https://greens.scot/2022LocalManifestos.
Councils have a crucial role to play in addressing the local impact of the climate and economic crises. The pandemic has shown us that global events can have a very profound local impact, but it has also shown us the differences communities can make when we work together to tackle the big challenges we face. We must continue that spirit and cooperation to deal with the climate and economic crises.
Scottish Greens are committed to empowering local authorities to meet the needs of their communities. That is why our MSPs in the Scottish Parliament have secured new powers for councils, new money for active travel and recycling, and the biggest increase in funding for teacher recruitment in a generation.
The next five years are vital for our democracy and our planet. Reforming local tax to get rid of the unfair and outdated Council Tax will be the subject of a Citizen’s Assembly. Our MSPs have also ensured that local authorities can regulate the number of Short-Term Lets so that Councils can act to curb excessive concentrations of AirBnBs.
By electing Green Councillors to Council Chambers across Scotland you can change how your council works. Electing a Green Councillor by giving them your first preference vote is the best way to make your council one that supports you and your community to create a better place in a better world.
By considering the climate emergency in every local action and decision we take, Green Councillors will ensure a just transition to a zero-carbon economy and society.