? Reducing the cost of living

Massive increases in energy prices, food costs and rents has left many unable to make ends meet. The causes of the cost of living crisis are many and varied. But Oxford City Council could be doing more to support those in need.

In recent years, Green Party councillors have played a key role in addressing the cost of living crisis in Oxford. This will continue to be a central priority for the Green Party in the coming years.

A Green Party run city council would:

● Increase the Oxford Living Wage to match that of London, giving thousands of workers across our city a substantial pay rise. We would also extend the Oxford Living Wage so that it applies not only to ordinary workers but also to apprentices.

● Introduce ‘Living Wage Zones’ – a pioneering planning policy which would see new developments which are designated for employment require any future occupants be required to pay at least the Oxford Living Wage.

● Push for Oxfordshire County Council to also sign up to become an Oxford Living Wage employer.

● Stop increases to the concessionary rate on paid-for council services, such as garden waste and bulky waste collection, so that residents on low incomes aren’t facing higher costs.

● Explore new poverty alleviation schemes and work to improve those already in place, such as the Green Party initiated policy of introducing free period products in community centres.

● Utilise council assets to provide residents with warm spaces in the winter and cool spaces in the summer.

● Encourage local production of healthy and affordable food through, for example, allotments and community orchards.

● Review the city council’s food strategy and provide more support to organisations in Oxford that work to provide food to those most in need – such as Oxford Mutual Aid, food banks, food cooperatives and food larders.

● Work with health partners and the county council to increase access to affordable health and social care and improve support for carers.

● Oppose the privatisation of public services which leads to higher costs and worse services for residents.

● Lobby national government to take utilities into public ownership – including Thames Water – in order to deliver a better public service and stop our money leaking out into the pockets of shareholders.

● Work to reduce household energy costs through supporting new local Low Carbon Hubs, ramping up the retrofitting of council housing and exploring district heating projects.