England: Green manifesto promises 500,000 homes

The left-wing party has pledged to increase the social housing budget from £1.5 billion a year to £6 billion a year over the next five years, as well as removing borrowing caps from local councils.

In stark contrast to the Conservative manifesto, which promises to “radically expand” the Right to Buy introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s government, the Greens say they will “end mass council house sales and the Right to Buy at a discounted price”.

The party would see 500,000 new social homes for rent created by 2020.

Green leader Natalie Bennett (pictured) said: “Austerity has failed and we need a peaceful political revolution to get rid of it.

“Our manifesto is an unashamedly bold plan to create a more equal, more democratic society while healing the planet from the effects of an unstable, unsustainable economy.

“This manifesto presents the Green Party’s genuine alternative to our tired, business-as-usual politics. We desperately need a more equal society and the policies we announce today pave the way towards a brighter, fairer future for all.”

Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, added: “From ending the scandal of cold homes to investing in a public transport system that puts the public first, our plans will make a positive difference to people’s lives, create new jobs and help protect our environment.”