East Lothian Labour Party has published its manifesto ahead of next month’s East Lothian Council elections, setting out its key recovery plans in the wake of Covid-19.

Labour has run a minority administration since the 2017 election.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, council leader, called the last few years “unprecedented” and said that Labour’s manifesto delivered proposals that would build a stronger East Lothian for the future.

The manifesto includes £136 million investment in schools, as well as a renewed focus on adult care services and other health services.

Proposals also include 600 new council homes and a renewed focus on supporting residents as they combat the cost of living crisis.

Labour also plans to continue implementing the council’s climate change strategy with the aim of becoming a net-zero council.

Additionally, the party has proposed measures to increase jobs in the county, with the building of the new Innovation Hub in Musselburgh.

Mr Hampshire said: “Over the last five years, we have protected key services, supported communities through the pandemic and sought to assist the local economy and jobs.

“The council and its staff, as well as communities and local groups and businesses, have shown remarkable resilience and determination.

“Together we have ensured we have been able to come through this unprecedented situation and look forward to rebuilding after the pandemic.

“That means turning our attention to the recovery phase, including the growing cost of living crisis, and ensuring we build a positive future for East Lothian over the next five years.

“Our manifesto sets out our plans for how we will achieve that and help make East Lothian an even better place to live, work and visit.

“We have set out plans for continuing our investment in schools, supporting economic growth and job creation, building more council and social homes for rent, improving care and facilities for older people and ensuring East Lothian meets its ambitious net zero targets.

“We will also provide additional support for young people, who have missed out on so much of their education and been acutely affected by issues such as social isolation during the pandemic.”

Visit bit.ly/3vsZdMU to view the full manifesto.