Following on from surveys taken in Farnborough Town Centre and at North Camp Methodist Church Hall we have identified Rushmoor’s 5 top priority areas in order they are:

1. Lower energy bills and warmer homes

Energy costs sky-rocketed after the invasion of Ukraine as the price of gas soared and may now increase again as a result of the war on Iran. Bills remain high, especially for almost 10 million low-income households in the UK living in poorly insulated homes.

Councils can help insulate homes, support community-owned renewable energy, help people in financial trouble and approve renewable energy developments. Electricity from renewable energy is cheaper than that produced using gas.

2. Better public transport and healthy air

Air pollution causes around 30,000 early deaths every year.  Petrol and diesel cars are a major cause of the problem. A switch to electric vehicles will help, but better bus services and cycling infrastructure are also needed.

Ask councils and mayors to improve bus services, invest in public electric vehicle charging, create safe walking and cycling routes, and curb traffic around schools to protect children’s health.

3. Plant more trees and improve green spaces

Green and blue spaces are essential for nature and our health. However, around 10 million people in the UK live in areas without proper green space, with people of colour twice as likely as white people to miss out.

Call for councils to plant more trees and improve green spaces to cool down towns and cities, boost mental and physical health, and create space for nature.

4. More resilient communities

Stronger communities are better able to respond to the impacts of climate change – from floods to heatwaves and blackouts. But investment in youth work and community spaces has plummeted through austerity.

Local authorities need to work closely with local charities, churches, social enterprises and volunteer groups to build community cohesion and resilience. And stand up to people who are sowing division and hatred.   

5. Say no to harmful developments

Many local authorities are fuelling the climate crisis by approving high carbon infrastructure projects – such as fossil fuel extraction sites and airport expansion.

Press councils to reject climate-damaging developments and instead give the green light to projects that reduce emissions, such as renewable energy projects. 

For more information on the Charter of Hope please look at https://groups.friendsoftheearth.uk/local-elections-policies