The Scottish Green Party has launched its national manifesto for the local council elections, prioritising new homes that are affordable, low-carbon and connected to local services.

Setting out their priorities for the elections at a launch event in Glasgow yesterday, party co-conveners Patrick Harvie and Maggie Chapman centred on the protection of public services such as schools and social care.

The Greens are mounting their biggest ever council campaign, with a record 218 candidates aiming to build on existing councillor numbers in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeenshire, Midlothian and Stirling, and make breakthroughs in many other councils.

The party’s vision for housing is for good-quality homes that are affordable to buy, affordable to rent and affordable to heat. There should be more social housing; better control of rents; and better management in the private sector.

The manifesto pledges that Green councillors will:

Kim Long, Green candidate for Dennistoun in Glasgow, said: “It’s great that more people than ever will have the chance to Vote Green in these elections. As candidates we’re all dedicated local campaigners. We’re determined to put power in the hands of our communities.

“Our councils need more Green voices. We will speak up to protect public services, give our schools the resources they need, support our care staff and tackle the housing crisis.

“Green councillors are renowned for their hard work. Now we need more Green councillors elected in towns and cities across Scotland, working with local residents and putting power back in communities where it belongs.

“Green MSPs secured an extra £160 million from the Scottish Government for councils to spend on local priorities this year, while other parties’ posturing achieved nothing. Council chambers across Scotland need our bold and constructive approach.”