The document, titled ‘Choose Hope’, calls for a break from what the party describes as outsourcing, developer-led regeneration and car-focused transport planning.
A key proposal is to bring major council services back under direct local authority control. This would include adult health and children’s services, reversing years of reliance on private providers.
The party argues that external contracts are driving up costs and reducing accountability, and says services should instead be run in-house to improve quality and long-term value.
Tom Butcher, leader of Swindon Green Party, said:
“A child currently placed outside of the Borough in a children’s home is currently costing Swindon Borough Council £7300 a week on average. We must be able to build more provision locally, and reduce that cost”
Such a move would represent a clear shift from previous administrations, which have depended heavily on outsourcing.
In transport, the Greens are proposing the long-term creation of a council-owned bus service.
The party says it would be run for public benefit rather than private profit, alongside expanded routes, electric buses and cheaper fares for young people.
Housing policy also features prominently in the manifesto.
The Greens say they would prioritise brownfield sites over green spaces and deliver significantly more social and council housing to meet growing demands.
Plans also include building new council homes to high environmental standards, introducing ‘Pod homes’ to tackle homelessness and ensuring infrastructure is delivered before large housing developments.
The party argues that both Labour and Conservative administrations have allowed developers to dictate terms, leaving residents facing rising costs and incomplete infrastructure.
A fundamental rethink of Swindon town centre is also proposed.
The Greens say regeneration should shift away from a retail-only led model towards community use, space for small businesses and more affordable housing.
They are calling for the creation of “meanwhile” spaces for start-ups and social enterprises, community-led redevelopment and the restoration of heritage assets such as the Mechanics’ Institute and Oasis.
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In social care, the manifesto outlines plans to reduce reliance on private providers and keep more children in local placements.
It also calls for greater investment in preventative health services and early intervention, with the aim of reducing long-term costs by avoiding crisis spending.
The party says growing membership and support on the doorstep puts it in a position to challenge both established parties at the 2026 elections, including in wards where Reform is campaigning.
Tom Butcher, leader of Swindon Green Party, said:
“This manifesto is about changing the direction of travel in Swindon. For too long, decisions have been shaped by short-term thinking, outsourcing and developments that don’t work for residents.
We’re saying the council should take back control where it matters, whether that’s services, transport or housing, and start building a town that actually works for the people who live here.”
