Economic policy should ensure every ones needs are met. Only a society which shares the benefits of the economy fairly and provides for the needs of all its members can ever be secure and strong.

In Sheffield

10 of Sheffield's 29 wards, containing 65,000 families, are among the top 10 per cent of deprived wards in the country. These areas, mostly in the North and East of the city, have been affected by the loss of jobs in coal and steel, the low pay of many of the new jobs created, and substantial increases in rent.

Forced to resort to loan sharks for credit, many find themselves in a cycle of debt. By contrast, in the richest wards, people have increased their income, paid less tax and seen the value of their property soar.

As Green City Councillors we will:

• Press for a special task force to help ensure all pensioners and other claimants are receiving the full amount of benefits they are entitled to, including pension and Council tax credits.
• Promote a strong and diverse local economy that places greater value on informal work which provides essential social and environmental benefits.
• Support new forms of 'social economy' such as food cooperatives, small mutual organisations and networks such as credit unions and 'Local Exchange Trading Systems' (LETS) where people can barter goods and services.
• Support an independent not-for profit finance company providing small loans for personal needs, financial education, access to debt advice and linking with credit unions.
• Press for improvements in locally provided services to help people who might otherwise need institutional care to continue to live at home if they wish.