Gloucester Labour city council candidates came together with activists on Saturday to launch their manifesto and announce their priorities for the next council.

Cllr Terry Pullen, leader of the Labour Group, said these pledges have come from talking to thousands of Gloucester residents over the last year, and listening to what's most important to them.

On their commitment to Building a Better Gloucester, Cllr Pullen said it's essential that people feel that the council is working for them.

Cllr Pullen said: "We know that people are struggling and want them to know that we're on their side. A Labour-led council will be engaged with people, will take on board what they want to see for the city, and will listen and be responsive to them. That's our job as councillors - to build a better city with the people we represent."

Alex McIntyre, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Gloucester at the next general election, said: "At the city council elections on May 2nd, the people of Gloucester will have a choice. Vote for more of the same, for a city council run by people out of ideas, who have no sense of what is important to hard working families in Gloucester, or vote Labour, for a team who will always put you first, who have fresh ideas and enthusiasm for our city and who are committed to building a better Gloucester."

Gloucester Labour's five key pledges include:

• Immediately tackling the cost-of-living crisis: plans to support residents put in place within the first 100 days of a Labour-led council.
• Building truly affordable homes: 30% affordable housing on every development and first dibs for local first time buyers.
• Making our streets cleaner and safer: more police patrols and tough new powers to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.
• Turning Gloucester into a greener city: reduce energy bills by insulating older homes and supporting Labour's plans to invest in the next generation of green jobs.
• Bringing the city centre back to life: tackle anti-social behaviour in the city centre, create an empty shops taskforce and back Labour's plan to scrap business rates.

As well as the key pledges, the party has announced what they're calling the five "building blocks" that will take the city further. These are:

• Build a vibrant economy that benefits local people.
• Build a Gloucester with happier and healthier communities.
• Build a Gloucester where people want to spend their free time.
• Build a fairer Gloucester with opportunities for all.
• Build a city council that's accessible and accountable.

You can find out more about Gloucester Labour's manifesto on their website.