Greens Pledge Increased Buses and Social Housing in Radical Swindon Plan

The Swindon Green Party has published a new manifesto called “Choose Hope”.

It calls for the council to reverse years of outsourcing. The paper targets developer-led regeneration and car-focused transport planning.

Council services and outsourcing

The plan proposes returning major services to direct local authority control. Adult health and children’s services would move away from private providers.

The party says external contracts increase costs and reduce accountability. Running services in-house should improve quality and long-term value, it adds.

Children’s placements and cost pressure

Tom Butcher leads the Swindon Green Party. He highlighted a key cost driver in social care.

A child placed outside the borough costs Swindon Borough Council about £7,300 a week on average. The party wants more local provision to cut that bill.

Transport and the bus proposal

The manifesto backs a council-owned bus service run for public benefit rather than profit. The plan includes expanded routes, electric buses and lower fares for young people.

It frames this commitment as the Greens Pledge Increased Buses. The proposal aims to move away from car-centred planning.

Housing, brownfield priority and homelessness

Housing features strongly in the proposals. The party would prioritise brownfield sites over green spaces.

The package promises significantly more social and council housing. It calls for high environmental standards for new council homes and for infrastructure to precede large developments.

The document also proposes “Pod homes” to address homelessness. The party criticises Labour and Conservative administrations for letting developers set terms.

This approach is described under Social Housing in Radical Swindon Plan. The aim is to tackle rising costs and incomplete infrastructure.

Town centre rethink and community-led regeneration

The Greens want regeneration to focus beyond retail. Their plan promotes community use, small business space, and affordable housing.

They propose short-term “meanwhile” spaces for start-ups and social enterprises. Restoration of heritage sites such as the Mechanics’ Institute and Oasis is also included.

Social care prevention and political outlook

The manifesto seeks to reduce reliance on private social care providers. It prioritises early intervention and preventative health services to avoid crisis spending.

The party says rising membership and doorstep support put it in a position to challenge established parties at the 2026 elections. It will contest wards where Reform is campaigning.

Tom Butcher described the manifesto as a change in the town’s direction. He urged the council to retake control of services, transport and housing to better serve residents.