It is a privilege to introduce our Norwich Labour manifesto for this City Council election on Thursday 4^th.

Vote Labour if you want to change our city and see the action and energy needed to deliver a fairer, stronger, and greener Norwich for all.

Our 2023 manifesto sets out an ambitious programme to rebuild the social, economic, and environmental rights of Norwich people. Rights that have been purposely stripped away by a Tory Government to leave more and more people experiencing insecure work, lower incomes, lack access to affordable housing and health services. The safety net which we all need when times are tough has been shredded. The Tories are purposely cutting council funding. Norwich people are losing the vital local services which we need now more than ever. Even our right to vote is being threatened in this election as the Tory Voter ID changes make it harder for those without photo ID to cast their ballot.

The Tories have broken our country. A future Labour Government is committed to rebuilding it.

But that work has already begun in Norwich and has never been more important.

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting our communities hard. More and more households are feeling the pinch as prices and bills rise. All of us have, as councillors, spoken with residents who are being forced to choose between heating their houses and feeding their families. Our manifesto sets out how we will continue to support residents in meeting those challenges. We want all our communities to thrive. To be able to do that, they need enough to live on; safe, warm, decent, genuinely affordable homes; access to good food and green, open spaces; clean air and safe streets.

Norwich Labour’s track record:

The Pandemic

Through the worst of the Pandemic, your Labour City Council worked with a wide range of partners to provide public health support, funding for city businesses, support some of the most vulnerable in our communities and financial help for those on low incomes.

The Cost-of-Living Crisis.

After the Pandemic the rapidly rising cost of living has become the next crisis to impact our communities. Like our response to Covid your Labour council is leading a city-wide response through a wide-ranging package of targeted support to get people through the immediate crisis. For example, our generous council tax support scheme for those struggling to pay bills; help with fuel costs and better energy deals; social welfare advice; social supermarkets; warm hubs. In the longer term, helping people to better help themselves.

Norwich Labour’s programme: social, economic, and environmental justice to deliver a secure future for all.

Norwich people have a compassionate, principled council with a strong track record and a clear vision for the future. One that understands the links between social, economic, and environmental justice. It’s only by voting Labour on May 4th that you can guarantee that the work we’ve been doing can continue, and that we can continue to work together to create One Norwich, Fair for All.

People in Norwich want a better society that tackles inequality and poverty; provides a decent standard of living for all its residents and solutions to the climate crisis. This manifesto lays out a comprehensive programme of action.

Our manifesto for 2023 is packed with ambition for the city. With your support and vote, Norwich Labour can deliver for our city.

Vote Labour on Thursday 4^th May 2023.

Cllr Alan Waters
Leader – Norwich City Council.