On Wed 27th March these answers appeared in the Cambridge Independent as part of their election series, setting out our position in relation to a range of key election issues.

Why should voters pick you?

Since Labour came into power in 2014, we’ve consistently delivered against our key pledges. On our housing record, we’ve met our ambitious council housing targets a year ahead of schedule, whilst on our climate work we’ve been ranked amongst the top 10% of all local authorities nationally. We are tackling poverty and inequality, providing generous support to our residents and delivering essential services despite Tory cuts. Cambridge deserves a compassionate, principled council with a strong track record and a clear vision for the future. Labour understands the links between social, economic, and environmental justice required to deliver our vision.

What can you do to help those struggling with the cost of living crisis?

The cost of living crisis, following years of Tory austerity, has particularly impacted the most vulnerable and those on low incomes. Our Labour council has worked tirelessly to ensure no one is left behind. We support a broad network of local food hubs, invested £200k in a new community food centre, run one of the most generous Council Tax Reduction schemes in the country, ensured households can get online, and annually award £1.7m in grants to community groups. Furthermore, Labour has consistently fought for workers’ rights and fair pay. We believe that residents shouldn’t just survive, but thrive.

How should Cambridge’s transport and congestion challenges be solved?

Only in addressing our lack of reliable and affordable public transport can we really combat high congestion levels and air pollution across Cambridge. The Labour Council is preparing a Transport and Movement Strategy for the whole city including those living in and around it. Your Cllrs have committed to delivering reliable, cost effective, fossil free public transport, combatting the chronic public transport underinvestment by the previous Conservative administrations across the county. Additionally, Labour has consistently encouraged active travel, delivering safer, more accessible roads and providing more opportunities for our residents to enjoy walking and cycling.

What will you do to create a more sustainable and biodiverse city amid the drive towards net zero?

Cambridge Labour has declared a climate emergency and is working hard to reach our 2030 net zero target. This includes decarbonising our swimming pools, installing electric charging points across the city, retrofitting council homes and embedding sustainability in development. We’re currently delivering our biodiversity programme, including a herbicide-free trial, planting hundreds of trees and introducing wildflower meadows. Using a doughnut economics model, we’re transforming the way we think about food waste, recycling and reusing materials. We believe that social and environmental justice are intertwined, and therefore all our policies will not only support our residents but fight the climate crisis.

Are the Local Plan priorities right? What should be created at North East Cambridge?

Labour is working hard to fight the housing crisis whilst simultaneously combatting the climate emergency. Following some of the highest consultation responses ever received from our residents, our draft Emerging Local Plan is committed to sustainable development, our communities and their wellbeing. All new developments will require rigorous water standards, no gas on site, ample transport provision, community and outdoor facilities, and larger development must provide whole life costs. Construction will need to be fossil free. In NE Cambridge, the development will be focused on communities and their wellbeing with necessary local services such as pubs, restaurants, markets, sports facilities and libraries.