The Green Party wants a secure and stable economy that enables people to meet their needs without damaging the environment. Our economy is dangerously dependent on oil and gas. Fuel prices will continue to rise as demand outstrips supply.

We need to adjust to a new era of reduced energy supplies. In our race for our slice of international trade, wages can fall and social and environmental standards are lowered. Support for the local domestic economy would strengthen local self-reliance and ensure local needs are met. Investment in energy conservation would boost new industries including engineering and construction.

In Sheffield

Basic industries like steel, engineering, textiles and food production are moving outside our region at huge social and environmental cost. The new City Strategy sets out the principles of a "prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Sheffield". However, the city is driven by corporate and state interests rather than the wider interests of local communities and the environment. The Council now has a policy of "inward investment” which encourages big national or international companies to set up in Sheffield. As result, wealth often leaves the city and remains in the hands of the rich. We want a local market economy of small, locally owned enterprises, ethically run, and geared to meet the needs of the community.

What we have done so far:

• Supported local shops, post offices, community facilities and sustainable local businesses.
• Supported our local and farmers' markets.
• Pushed for regeneration money to be invested in sustainable local development.
• Supported Fairtrade initiatives.
• Challenged Sheffield's and Regional economic strategies for being unsustainable, short-term and divisive.
• Pointed out the full costs of the council's support for wasteful projects like road and airport expansion.

As Green City Councillors we will:

• Support for social enterprises and the local economy through local purchase of goods and services.
• Encourage local business start-ups.
• Spread Fairtrade as best practice across the public and voluntary sector in the city.
• Push for a regular Saturday Farmers Market to be held in the centre of Sheffield.
• Press for the manufacture of wind turbines within the city using local engineering expertise.