Shake it up Community Assemblies
VOTE Progressive Local Independents in the May Elections
We've been asking–
What’s not working?
What needs to change?
We are not career politicians or elites – we are local people who have had enough and know we deserve better. We don’t make policies based on party politics; we listen to thousands of residents in our wards so that we know what our communities want. Based on what you’ve told us we’ve been building a political programme from the grassroots up, not the top down.
On the doorsteps and in community meet-ups we have been asking people what’s not working and what needs to change. The answers were clear. Across neighbourhoods and backgrounds people raise the same things again and again. People want action on the following big issues:
Damp, mould and long repair delays
Insecure tenancies and rising rents
Increasing homelessness on the streets
The response of the authorities is slow and confusing
Housing is the basis for stability, dignity and wellbeing. When housing doesn’t work, everything else becomes harder.
1. Housing & Homelessness
Visible drug use and street-based addiction
A lack of effective support for people struggling
The growing mental health crisis
Housing stress is connected to substance abuse and crime
Current approaches just react to the problem. People want a social and preventative approach that deals with the root causes.
2. Community Safety, Drugs & Mental Health
The selling off of community buildings
Reduced youth services so there is nowhere to go
Rising costs for local groups using public spaces
Libraries are often mentioned as a good example of what works well. People want services that are welcoming and serve people in the community.
3. Community Spaces & Services
Too much fly-tipping and rubbish
No consultation on blocked streets
Not thinking about elderly and disabled residents
Maintaining the roads and pavements
It’s the neglect of everyday issues that have a big impact on quality of life.
4. Clean, Cared-for Neighbourhoods
No one answers the phone
Being passed between departments
Lack of follow-up, endless delays
Not being listened to, no real consultation
People want clear communication, quick responses, and real accountability.