Carolyne Culver – Green Party

Carolyne has been representing Ridgeway Ward on West Berkshire Council for the past five years. She serves as chairman of the Scrutiny Commission, which oversees council decisions, policies, and services. In this role, she has actively held Thames Water and the Environment Agency accountable for issues related to sewage and infrastructure. Additionally, she serves as a flood warden for her village.

Carolyne’s extensive professional background includes working with the University of Oxford, Save the Children, War on Want, and the Wildlife Trust. She has also been an A Level teacher, associate university lecturer, and journalist. Currently, she works as a consultant for a community interest company that delivers nature-based solutions to climate change.

Carolyne’s Pledges for Reading West

Healthcare

• NHS Frontline Services: Increase funding, reverse privatisation, and improve pay and conditions for NHS staff.

Community Health

• Leisure and Green Spaces: Invest in leisure facilities, green spaces, and the production of affordable, healthy food to enhance overall health.

Environment

• Climate Action: Tackle global heating by investing in green jobs, renewable energy, and home insulation to boost the economy, reduce energy bills, and lower our carbon footprint.

Water Infrastructure

• Public Ownership of Thames Water: Return Thames Water to public ownership, improve infrastructure, and eliminate sewage in our rivers.

Housing

• Social Homes: Incentivise the construction of social homes for rent to reduce housing waiting lists.

Biodiversity

• Nature Protection: Protect and restore the natural world, reverse the decline in biodiversity, and reconnect spaces for nature.

Public Services

• End Austerity: Reinstating long-term funding for councils to prevent constant cutbacks, such as selling off care homes and closing libraries.

Immigration

• Honest Discussion: Encourage an honest discussion about the benefits of immigration and the contributions immigrants have made to the country. Address the challenges of an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.

Stay tuned as we continue to introduce more candidates each day, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.