First person column by Councillor Rob White
As a Green Party councillor in Reading, I was pleased to hear Keir Starmer’s recent comments about extending eligibility for winter fuel payments. Greens have been petitioning for Labour to U-turn on cuts to winter fuel payments. It’s a clear sign that pressure from the public—and from the Green Party—is working. For months, we’ve been calling out the harm caused by cuts to support for older people, especially here in Reading where so many residents are already struggling with the cost of living.
The Prime Minister is clearly feeling the heat. He’s under mounting pressure from opposition MPs, campaigners, and importantly, from Labour MPs who know these cuts are unjust. But a few carefully chosen words aren’t enough. We need action. The Green Party will keep pushing for full winter fuel support to be restored.
TAX EXTREME WEALTH TO FUND SUPPORT
The Chancellor now has a chance to fix these wrongs in her upcoming fiscal announcements. We are urging her to fund social support by taxing extreme wealth fairly. Instead of letting the richest accumulate even more, we could use those funds to protect millions of pensioners—and to reverse cruel decisions like the £5 billion cuts to welfare and the unfair two-child benefit cap.
Here in Reading, we know the impact of these policies. Constituents tell me how they’re cutting back on heating and food. Pensioners, single parents, and working families are all feeling the squeeze. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s morally wrong.
GREEN PARTY WILL KEEP FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS
The Green Party stands with everyone being pushed into poverty by short-sighted government choices. We’ll keep making the case for a more compassionate and equitable society—here in Reading and nationally.
We won’t stop until winter fuel payments are restored, harmful benefit caps are scrapped, and everyone has what they need to live with dignity.
GREENS ARE THE SECOND LARGEST PARTY IN READING
As the main opposition party on Labour-run Reading Council, Green councillors will continue to work constructively to get the best for Reading residents. There are now eight Green Party councillors and we have more councillors than the Conservatives and Lib Dems combined. We will keep working hard all year round on the issues that matter to residents.
If you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: http:\\reading.greenparty.org.uk/get-involved
By Councillor Rob White (Green Party, Park Ward)
Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council