More than 200 groups sign open letter calling for action on living costs, nature and community power
MORE than 200 organisations from across Wales have signed an open letter calling on political parties to set out clear plans for a fairer and more sustainable future ahead of the next Senedd Cymru elections.
The letter, published under the banner “Let’s Build a Better and Fairer Cymru Together”, urges parties standing in the election to commit to three key priorities for the next Senedd term: making life fairer, putting power in people’s hands, and restoring nature for everyone.
Signatories include charities, community groups, environmental organisations, faith groups, businesses, trade unions and social justice networks. Together they warn that communities across Wales are facing rising living costs, pressure on public services and increasing threats to nature and livelihoods.
Stanley Townsend, head of policy at Climate Cymru, said many of the challenges facing Wales are interconnected.
He said: “The challenges we face, from rising bills to the loss of our local wildlife, don’t exist in isolation, so our solutions shouldn’t either.
“When we get it right, Wales can cut the cost of living, create good local jobs and protect the places that make our communities special, while preventing more damage from extreme weather.”
He added that practical measures such as improving home energy efficiency, expanding Welsh renewable energy and restoring rivers and wildlife habitats could help reduce household bills while supporting local economies.
Campaigners are also calling for stronger action to tackle fuel poverty and ensure communities benefit from the transition to renewable energy.
Stuart Bretherton, campaigns lead at Fuel Poverty Action, said the move to greener energy must be fair.
He said: “The Senedd must make green fair, ensuring that everyone across Wales gets their share of the benefits.
“Renewable electricity should bring down household bills, for example rooftop solar energy generated from people’s own homes, which is too often captured by landlords or developers.”
The letter also calls for greater community ownership of renewable energy projects, allowing local areas to benefit directly from clean power generation.
Ben Ferguson and Leanne Wood, co-executive directors at Community Energy Wales, said community ownership could play a key role in delivering energy fairness.
They said: “Power can only be put into people’s hands with ownership. Community Energy Wales wants all communities to be able to build up a bank of energy assets, generating power that can be consumed locally. Ownership is control and the key to unlocking energy fairness.”
Environmental groups involved in the campaign also emphasised the importance of protecting nature while supporting farmers and rural communities.
Dr Amy McDonnell, co-executive director of Zero Hour, said restoring nature was vital for Wales’ long-term future.
She said: “Protecting and restoring nature is not a luxury – it is the foundation of our future.
“It affects our ability to grow food, access clean water, withstand climate change, maintain a stable economy and protect the health and wellbeing of future generations in Wales.”
The organisations say stronger support is needed for farmers and communities working to restore nature, alongside tougher action to hold polluters accountable.
The letter concludes by calling on all political parties to show leadership and work together on solutions.
It states: “Wales requires leadership from every party. Wales needs credible plans that recognise shared challenges and commit to tackling them together.”
