With just under three weeks remaining until the local election on Thursday 5^th May, East Lothian Labour Party has published its manifesto setting out its key recovery plans for building East Lothian’s future in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The manifesto sets out proposals for continuing the important work undertaken by the minority Labour administration over the last five years to protect vital frontline services, support communities and boost the economy and jobs.

It highlights the key achievements of the current administration and outlines how Labour will build on its success in each of five key recovery areas – education, the economy, health, communities and the environment – and help support people through the growing cost of living crisis if the party is re-elected as the biggest group on the Council in May.

Speaking about the manifesto, Labour Leader Cllr Norman Hampshire said:

“Between 2012 and 2017 the Labour-led administration focused on repairing the financial damage done by the previous SNP-led administration and protecting vital services from swingeing SNP Government cuts. Over the last five years we have continued to protect key services, supported communities through the pandemic and sought to assist the local economy and jobs.

“Despite the significant challenges we have faced, particularly over the last two years, I believe that the Council and its staff, as well as communities and local groups and businesses, have shown remarkable resilience and determination. Together we have ensured that we have been able to come through this unprecedented situation and look forward to rebuilding after the pandemic.

“That means turning our attention to the recovery phase, including the growing cost of living crisis, and ensuring we build a positive future for East Lothian over the next five years. Our manifesto sets out our plans for demonstrating how we will achieve that and help make East Lothian an even better place to live, work and visit.

“We have set out plans for continuing our investment in schools, supporting economic growth and job creation, building more council and social homes for rent, improving care and facilities for older people and ensuring East Lothian meets its ambitious net zero targets. We will also provide additional support for young people, who have missed out on so much of their education and been acutely affected by issues such as social isolation during the pandemic.

“It adds up to a clear set of priorities for maintaining our focus on protecting services, supporting communities and boosting the economy as we chart a strong recovery from Covid. The Labour team I’m leading into this election are all fully committed to the plans and to working with communities, groups and businesses in their wards to ensure we build East Lothian’s future together.”

Access the full East Lothian Labour manifesto here.