Cambridge Labour City group has released its manifesto for the upcoming 2023 City Council elections, saying that Labour in Cambridge will continue delivering for a fairer, greener and more prosperous Cambridge.

Included in the updated 2023 manifesto are commitments across its 4 pledges, with an additional pledge added this year in relation to public transport. The pledges are:

• Tackling poverty and inequality and promoting food justice,
• Addressing the biodiversity and climate emergencies including becoming a net zero council by 2030
• Tackling the housing crisis, building council homes , supporting the homeless and standing up for private renters
• Maintaining our core services and transforming our council in the face of continued Tory austerity
• Pressing for green public transport that really serves our city.

The manifesto builds upon significant progress already made last year as reported by the group in its 2023 City Report residents, released last week. In particular, the group highlighted some of its achievements which included exceeding its council housing targets ahead of schedule and its strong progress on climate actions which saw it ranked amongst the top 10% of local authorities nationally. The manifesto outlines how, if re-elected, Labour plan to continue their ambitious programme of work across all these areas with additional new manifesto commitments this year.

On the launch of the manifesto, Leader of Labour group Cllr Anna Smith said:

“It’s a plan for everyone, from residents and workers, from local businesses to young people. It’s a plan that builds on our record in power – a record of delivery and not just words. So for instance, we’ll maintain our generous community grants programme, develop a new solar farm, build new council homes and continue to work on a permanent food distribution hub.”

She continued;

“We want all our communities to thrive. This means considering how we can do more to ensure everyone has the best quality of life who are living and working in Cambridge. This year, we are also pledging to develop a dedicated youth strategy for the city, to develop our work on community wealth building and to do more to lobby for public transport that is green, safe, accessible and meets the needs of our residents.

It’s only by voting Labour on 4th May that you can guarantee that the work we’ve been doing can continue, and that we can continue to work together to create One Cambridge, Fair for All.”