Economic policy should ensure everyone's needs are met. Only a society which shares the benefits of the economy fairly and provides for the needs of all 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 job losses in coal and steel, the low pay of many of the new jobs, and big increases in rent. Forced to resort to loan sharks for credit, many find themselves in a cycle of debt. But those in the richest wards have increased their income, paid less tax and seen the value of their property soar.

Our local Green Party members will:

• 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) for bartering goods and services.
• Continue to promote value of informal work.

Our Green Councillors have:

• Highlighted fuel poverty issues.
• Supported Sheffield Debt Support Unit and Credit Union.

Our Green Councillors will:

• Continue opposing large casino projects as they are harmful to the local economy.
• Support local job creation initiatives.
• Continue to support the Debt Support Unit