Fairer greener Wirral Council budget

Within this budget there is an additional £2 and ¼ million. One-off funding for one year. To be voted upon at Policy and Resource Committee, next month, not today.

Greens have six proposals to invest in a fairer, greener Wirral.

1. Firstly, targeted benefits advice to thousands of families to claim millions
   of pounds they are entitled to.  

2. Secondly, to clear alleyways, plus free alleygates and bulky rubbish
   collection - for people that need it most.

3. Thirdly, Greens would install solar panels and heat pumps into suitable Council buildings. Thus cutting carbon emissions and bills, creating good green jobs for the future.

4. Fourth, Greens would invest more in our young people - many who were
   so badly affected by covid and lock down. Instead of closing libraries
   and swimming pools, we Councillors should be ensuring all teenagers
   have access to a wide variety of things to do outside of school, such as sports, dance and creative arts.

5. Fifth. Wirral is the Borough of Culture, this year. Greens would
   extend the Communities Fund - to celebrate the diverse cultures of new
   communities on the Wirral. Because everyone benefits from welcoming
   people fleeing war, such as in Ukraine, Afghanistan and Palestine.
   Refugees should not have to flee their homes, but they and you are welcome here.

6. Sixth. Greens would improve the air we all breathe and plant new
   trees on our busy streets.

All these costed, practical Green proposals are possible with just £2 and ¼ million pounds. Out of a council budget of £400 million.

Imagine what could be possible with a wealth tax on the super rich. Imagine another say, £85 million to rebuild a better Birkenhead. Well, this regeneration money is already secured – including £14 million to refurbish a flagship Birkenhead market.

Because you know what? Another Wirral is possible.

Our Wirral, that is fair to people and the environment.

We need Green budgets that create new green jobs and services, that reduce inequality, bills and pollution, and forge a better future for our children and our grand children.