Oxford’s environmental party has revealed its election programme ahead of the forthcoming city council ballot, aiming to create a more just, environmentally sustainable, and fairer urban centre.

Local party members have explained the policy document was created after extensive conversations with residents throughout the city and tackles the principal issues raised during those exchanges.

The strategy focuses on four core objectives: solving the accommodation shortfall, backing Oxford’s multicultural neighbourhoods, dealing with everyday expenses, and confronting the environmental and ecological challenge.

The environmental party has proposed an Oxford Affordable Rent initiative, based on the principles underpinning the Oxford Living Wage, intended to assist those renting privately to access more manageable housing alongside other measures.

Concerning Oxford’s varied communities, the group has committed to actively working toward preserving the city’s City of Sanctuary standing and to pressure the council to increase efforts in receiving refugees.

On household expenses, the Greens have committed to lifting the Oxford Living Wage to align with London’s rates and applying this to apprentices too.

For environmental and ecological matters, the party is advocating direct funding into clean energy generation and increasing bicycle storage options throughout the urban area.

Twenty-four of the 48 council positions will be challenged, with the Greens currently occupying nine seats against Labour’s 21.

Chris Jarvis, who leads the Green Group on Oxford City Council, said that street-level discussions have made it clearly evident that residents are seeking significant change consistent with the party’s programme.

He noted that it is equally clear they are not seeing that transformation under Labour. Neither Keir Starmer in Downing Street nor the Labour-led council are achieving the overhaul our country and our city demand.

He expressed that he is tremendously proud to introduce the Green Party’s blueprint for a more just, greener and more equal Oxford, providing residents with the change they are urgently requesting.

He said he is pleased that this blueprint has not been dictated from above, but has arisen from conversations with thousands of people who make up our city.

He added that he is delighted that the party has a capable, committed and enthusiastic roster of candidates to transform this blueprint into actuality.

The voting takes place on Thursday, May 7. The Greens will face contenders from Labour, Liberal Democrats, Reform, Conservatives and various independent nominees.

Labour’s programme featured pledges to build a significant number of fresh council homes, increase the Oxford Living Wage, work toward net-zero targets, and finance improved street cleaning, graffiti elimination and complimentary large item collection services.