With just under four weeks until the local elections on 4 May, East Lothian Labour Party has published its manifesto, setting out wide-ranging plans to protect frontline services, support communities and boost the economy and jobs.

The document sets out the key achievements of the current Labour-led administration and highlights how Labour will build on its success and be stronger for East Lothian if the party is re-elected as the Council’s administration in May.

Speaking about the manifesto, Labour Leader Cllr Willie Innes said:

“Since 2012 we have worked very hard to return the Council’s finances to good health and do everything possible to protect vital services from SNP Government cuts. At the same time, by making some difficult decisions, we have managed to use our resources to continue investing in the local economy and jobs and support improvements in our communities.

“Our manifesto sets out to demonstrate how we will build on the success of the last five years. Headline priorities include delivering 2,500 new affordable homes, £144 million investment in new and existing council housing, a £97 million programme for new and improved school facilities, an action plan for tackling poverty in East Lothian, improvements for day centres and other support for older people, and significant capital investment in community facilities.

“It adds up to a carefully planned and costed programme to continue improving East Lothian, making it a better, fairer place to live, work and visit. If local people put their trust in us to continue governing the county, protecting services, supporting communities and boosting the economy will continue to be our priorities for the next five years.

“Our manifesto at this election is also underpinned by the promise that Labour councillors will always put the interests of East Lothian first and stand up for local communities against SNP cuts and centralisation. We will be stronger for East Lothian.”