The Norwich Green

Largest Group Of Green Councillors In The Country!

Norwich City Council now has the largest group of Green Councillors in the country following the local elections on 4th May. The Greens made four gains in the City Council elections, giving them a total of nine seats. The City Council remains in no overall control, with the Greens now holding greater influence in policy and budget negotiations between the parties. See overleaf for news of policy commitments obtained by Green Councillors since the election.

In your area (Nelson ward) the Greens successfully defended the seat previously held by Jessica Goldfinch, with Claire Stephenson obtaining 61% of the vote. Councillor Stephenson commented: "I would like to thank Nelson residents for electing me with such a convincing majority. I am already enjoying representing residents on concerns in the ward and working with the other Green Councillors to lobby for stronger policies on environmental and social issues at City Hall."

The local election results have led several journalists to state that the Green Party is in an increasingly strong position to win the Norwich South constituency at the next General Election. An EDP reporter stated: "With such a strong voter base in Norwich, there is every chance that the first Green MP could come from Norfolk." (Eastern Daily Press, 6th May 2006)

Can You Help or Donate to Norwich Green Party?

Are you able to make a donation to Norwich Green Party or to help with leafleting, paperwork or research at this exciting and critical time? More help and donations from supporters will enable us to continue to grow. Please contact us on 623223 / 621980 for details.

Election Results

Political Make-Up of Norwich City Council:

No overall control

Mancroft Ward Result in Full:

Early Green Policy Success

Green Party City Councillor Adrian Ramsay writes...

With the City Council in no overall control, the political parties have spent time since the election negotiating policy priorities and discussing who will form the new administration. The Green Councillors suggested an all-party administration to reflect the mixed nature of the council but neither Labour nor the LibDems wanted to participate in this. Labour, as the biggest party, put in a bid to form a minority administration and this was agreed. Before agreeing to not oppose this, the Green Councillors used our position to gain the following commitments for the City Council:

• Any increases in the funding for community wardens (Labour's key policy priority) to be at least matched with increased funding for recycling facilities.
• A 30% renewable energy requirement for new developments over 2,000 square metres (much stronger than the previous plan of 10% in developments over 10,000 square metres).
• Requiring an affordable housing quota in developments over 4 houses (rather than over 24).

These and other policies on environmental protection and social justice still need to be taken further by the Council. On some issues (such as our opposition to incineration of waste) Labour Councillors felt unable to agree with us – and we will continue to lobby on this. However, I am pleased that the larger group of Green Councillors has made an early mark on Council policies.

Norwich Eye

Norwich City Council rejected the application for a 'Norwich Eye' giant wheel to operate outside the Forum during the summer months. Green Councillors argued against putting the wheel in this designated public space. Several councillors and organisations have made alternative suggestions for where a wheel could be situated but no new planning application has been submitted. We will inform residents if this changes.

Unthank Tesco

We are waiting to hear the new date for the Public Inquiry into an application for a Tesco store on Unthank Road. The most recent application was turned down by the City Council on 16th March but Tesco appealed. We will inform residents of the date as soon as it is known but it is unlikely to take place before the autumn. All those who submitted their views on the second application to the City Council will have had their comments forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate.

Do You Belong to a Residents' Association or Community Group?

If your group or association is not already in contact with the new Green Councillors for Mancroft then please do feel free to get in touch (details below). Your Green Councillors are keen to talk to representatives of such groups or to attend meetings if you think this would be helpful – either to discuss key issues or just to make contact.