2026 Local Elections City Manifesto

Leader’s foreword

Cllr James Wright
Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Norwich City Council

Norwich has just been named the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times. This a recognition of our city’s creativity, independence, diversity, strong communities and quality of life, and something we can all be proud of.

But being the best place to live doesn’t mean Norwich is perfect. Too many people still struggle with the cost of housing, feel they don’t have a real say over decisions that affect their neighbourhood, or see the council spending too much time arguing about structures instead of fixing everyday problems.

That is why this plan is about fixing what is broken and strengthening what already works.

As Liberal Democrats, we believe Norwich succeeds when power is shared, not hoarded; when communities are trusted, not managed, and when the council focuses relentlessly on delivery, fairness and value for money. We don’t believe in top‑down politics or ideological gestures. We believe in practical solutions shaped by the people who live here.

Norwich is a city with a proud independent spirit; from our neighbourhoods and schools to our businesses, cultural life and voluntary sector. Our job as councillors is to support that independence, not smother it with bureaucracy or one‑size‑fits‑all policies.

With local government reorganisation on the horizon, these elections matter more than ever. Decisions taken now will shape how power, accountability and services work for residents for years to come. Liberal Democrats will always argue for local voices to be heard and for decisions to be made as close as possible to the people they affect.

Our 6‑point plan sets out how we will make housing work for residents; put neighbourhoods back in control; tackle the cost‑of‑living crisis fairly; take practical, affordable action on climate and quality of life; support a thriving local economy; restore trust through open, competent council leadership

Norwich can be the best place to live for everyone, not just in the rankings but in daily life. That is what this plan is about, and that is what Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for.

Cllr James Wright
Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group
Norwich City Council

Fixing Norwich – A Liberal Democrat plan for our city

Local. Fair. On Your Side.

Norwich doesn’t need grand slogans or council‑knows‑best politics.
It needs practical solutions, local decision‑making, and a council that listens.

1. Housing that works for Norwich people

Housing policy should serve residents; not politics and not developers.

• Build truly affordable homes focused on brownfield sites and well‑served areas of the city.
• Use council powers to bring long‑term empty homes back into use quickly.
• Stand up for private renters with strong enforcement, not tick‑box regulation.
• Work with partner organisations to combat homelessness.

Lib Dem difference: fewer targets, more homes people can actually live in.

2. Putting neighbourhoods back in control

Norwich doesn’t need a one‑size‑fits‑all council.

• Give wards real budgets and real decision‑making power.
• Let residents shape priorities on cleaning, street improvements, safety and public spaces.
• Cut red tape so small community projects can happen faster.

Lib Dem difference: decentralise power instead of hoarding it at City Hall.

3. A fair deal on the cost of living

The cost‑of‑living crisis won’t be solved by slogans.

• Target council support where it makes the biggest difference fastest.
• Work with voluntary and community groups as equal partners, not contractors.
• Protect essential services people rely on, especially for older residents and families.

Lib Dem difference: help people directly, not via expensive council schemes that miss the mark.

4. A green city that is practical and affordable

Environmental action must improve lives, not lecture people.

• Cut energy bills first by fixing cold, inefficient housing.
• Support greener travel and cleaner air in ways that work for residents and businesses.
• Protect Norwich’s natural assets without imposing blanket, ideologically driven rules.

Lib Dem difference: green policies that win consent, not culture wars.

5. A strong local economy built on independence

Norwich succeeds when local businesses succeed.

• Champion independent traders, city centre vitality, Norwich’s evening and cultural economy, while keeping the city safe and welcoming.
• Promote Norwich as a year-round visitor destination to grow sustainable tourism.
• Use planning powers to support mixed‑use, lived‑in neighbourhoods, not dead zones.

Lib Dem difference: pro‑business and pro‑community.

6. A council that is open, honest and competent

Trust in politics starts with how councils behave.

• Open up decision‑making and end behind‑closed‑doors politics.
• Focus ruthlessly on value for money so that every pound delivers results.
• Prepare properly for reorganisation by putting residents, not structures, first.

Lib Dem difference: accountability before ambition.

Why Liberal Democrats?

Because Norwich deserves a council that is:

• Neither control‑obsessed nor ideology‑driven
• Willing to listen, adapt and admit mistakes
• Focused on fixing problems, not managing decline

We are not here to run the council for its own sake; we are here to make Norwich work better for the people who live here.