Require 50% affordable housing in new developments
The state of housing in our city is dire, with far too many people priced out of even the smallest apartments. It's not uncommon to see entire families crammed into tiny flats, or young professionals forced to share with multiple roommates just to make ends meet. This isn't just a matter of personal finance, either - it's a question of community cohesion and social justice. When people are forced to live in cramped, overpriced conditions, it's a recipe for stress, anxiety, and a whole host of other social problems.
My proposal is to require that at least 50% of all new housing developments be designated as affordable housing. This would mean that for every luxury penthouse or high-end flat, there would be a corresponding number of affordable units available to people on lower incomes. It's not a radical idea, but it would make a huge difference to the thousands of people currently struggling to find a decent place to live.
Every Child Deserves a Personalised Learning Plan
I've always believed that our education system should be about nurturing the unique talents and abilities of each child, rather than just catering to those who are deemed 'special needs'. The current system is far too narrow and often reliant on parents' ability to navigate a complex and bureaucratic process. By providing every child with a personalised learning plan, we can ensure that each child receives the support and resources they need to thrive.
A personalised learning plan would take into account a child's individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as any health or social issues that may impact their learning. It would also include recommendations for support and resources, and would be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the child's changing needs.
Compassionate Endings, Not Just a Right
I've always belived that the issue of assisted dying is a deeply personal one, and it's definately time for a more compassionate approach. As someone who's passionate about social justice and human rights, I think we need to be looking at this from a more holistic perspective, taking into account the needs of the individual, their loved ones, and the wider community.
The current system is failing those who are terminally ill and wish to end their suffering, and it's clear that we need to be doing more to support them. However, I'm not convinved that simply introducing a right to die with dignity act is the answer. Instead, I think we should be focusing on providing better palliative care and support for those who are dying, as well as their families. This could include access to counseling, pain management, and other forms of support, as well as more funding for hospices and other end of life care services.
Seriously, another 'growth at all costs' budget? Bristol needs investment, not just more debt.
I was walking through Old Market the other day and saw the most heartbreaking sight. A family, probably on their way home from school, queuing outside a food bank. It’s utterly grim, isn’t it? We’re told the economy is doing well, yet I see more and more people struggling just to get by. This constant push for GDP growth feels so disconnected from what people actually need. We’re treating the planet like an infinite resource and people like cogs in a machine. It's unsustainable and frankly, it's barbaric.
My proposal is to shift our economic focus entirely away from endless growth and towards a model of genuine well-being and ecological sustainability. This means redefining what 'economic success' even looks like. Instead of just measuring GDP, we should be tracking metrics like carbon emissions, biodiversity levels, public health outcomes, and levels of social inequality.
Enough with the slap on the wrist for corporations trashing our rivers!
I was down by the Avon last weekend, trying to enjoy a bit of sunshine, and saw a patch of water near the industrial estate that was just… oily. Rainbow sheen, dead bits of plant life floating in it. It made me so angry. How many times have we heard about water companies dumping sewage or chemical companies leaking who-knows-what into our waterways, only for them to get a fine that’s basically pocket change to them? It’s pathetic.
We need to change the penalties for environmental crimes. Instead of paltry fines, we should implement a system where corporations have to pay damages based on a percentage of their annual profits. If a company knowingly pollutes, they should face penalties so significant that it actually hurts their bottom line, making it far less appealing to cut corners on environmental protections.
Ranked Choice Voting is a no-brainer, why aren't we doing it already?
We should implement ranked choice voting for all elections. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, eliminating the need for spoiler candidates and ensuring that winners have broader support than under our current first-past-the-post system. It's frankly baffling that we continue to operate under a system that can result in a candidate winning with a tiny fraction of the vote, often leaving a majority of voters feeling unrepresented.
The current system just encourages tactical voting and discourages people from voting for smaller parties or independent candidates they actually prefer, for fear of "wasting their vote." Ranked choice voting would fix that. People could vote their conscience without worrying about inadvertently helping their least favourite candidate win.
Revitalise Rural Transport with Community-Led Solutions
I'm deeply concerned about the decline of rural bus services in our area, it's not just a matter of convenience, but a question of social justice and environmental sustainability. As someone who's passionate about sustainable transport, I think we need to rethink our approach to rural mobility. Instead of relying solely on traditional bus services, we should be exploring community-led initiatives that combine public, shared, and active transport options.
We could be investing in car-sharing schemes, community minibuses, and improved cycling infrastructure to reduce our reliance on private vehicles. This approach would not only reduce carbon emissions but also promote social interaction and a sense of community. I've seen this work in other parts of the country, where local people have come together to develop innovative transport solutions that meet their specific needs.
Scrap the cars already
What's the point of having a new administration if they're just going to tinker around the edges of our transport system, which is still utterly dominated by cars, and still utterly failing to get people out of them. I mean think about it, we know air pollution from traffic is killing thousands of people every year, and we know that cars are a huge part of the problem, so why are we still letting them choke our cities.
We need a total overhaul of our transport policy, and we need it now, not in some vague future where maybe we'll have sorted out our priorities. My proposal is simple: we start by pedestrianising all city centres, and then we use the money we save on road maintenance to fund a massive expansion of our public transport networks. I'm talking cheap, reliable buses and trains that people actually want to use, not the overpriced, underfunded mess we've got at the moment.
Power Up Our Neighbourhoods With Green Energy, Not Just Blue Lights
Instead of just talking about policing, we need to be talking about how we can genuinely improve people's lives at a local level, and that starts with investing in renewable energy infrastructure right in our communities. Imagine solar panels on every available roof, small wind turbines in strategic spots, and local energy grids that benefit residents directly. This isn't just about cutting carbon emissions; it's about creating local jobs, reducing energy bills for struggling families, and building a more resilient and self-sufficient society.
Pouring money into more police officers, however well-intentioned, often feels like a sticking plaster on deeper societal issues. We should be focusing on preventative measures that address the root causes of crime and social disorder.
Seriously, are we still teaching kids about the Industrial Revolution like it's Ancient Rome?
Why are we still dedicating so much curriculum time to historical events that, frankly, are the root cause of most of our current environmental mess? It’s like giving a lecture on the benefits of smoking while simultaneously trying to treat lung cancer. We need to shift our focus drastically.
My proposal is to replace a significant portion of traditional history lessons with a mandatory "Ecological Futures" module, starting from primary school. Imagine kids learning about, say, the lifecycle of plastics and the impact of fast fashion instead of memorizing dates of obscure battles. We’d cover things like sustainable agriculture, renewable energy principles, circular economy concepts, and the ethics of animal welfare. This isn't about erasing history, but about prioritizing the knowledge crucial for survival and a decent planet for the next generation.
What do you think?
Vote on individual policies, adapt them, or write your own alternative. Good ideas should be tested.