Greens pledged to rebuild local economies, support local business and keep public services publicly accountable and publicly funded as they launched their "Living Streets, Public services" mini-manifesto on April 22.

Matt Follett, Green candidate for Leicester South, commented: "Everyone says what a pity it is that local small shops are disappearing and being replaced by large chains, while essential public services are being sold off to large corporations. Yet all the major parties are pushing a pro-big-business agenda that closes down our local services, increases supermarkets' monopoly power, and privatises our public services."

Geoff Forse, Green candidate for Leicester West, added: "The Green agenda unashamedly favours strong local economies and smaller businesses. We are against privatisation in whatever guise, and in favour of progressive planning, tax and procurement policies that will bring real change. Greens have a proven track record, fighting post office closures locally and health service privatisation at a national and European level. Greens are the only party with the policies and the political will to safeguard our publicly owned and funded services, and regenerate our local economies."

Living Streets, Public services

Green policy measures to promote living streets and public services include:

Local businesses

• Phase out VAT, replace with eco-taxes
  
• Local authorities to procure locally and Green, where possible
  
• Attract people to city centres by regenerating empty urban space
  
• Support farmers' markets, organic and family farmers