Janet Richards, Green, New Forest West

Name: Janet Richards

Candidate for: New Forest West

Party: Green

Votes: 1,059

Profile:

Janet Richards, a founder member and director of the Futurefarms co-operative and community farm in Martin near Fordingbridge, is the Green Party’s candidate.

One of her major concerns is the shortage of affordable housing in the forest.

She said: “When waiting lists are this long, even priority cases may have to wait years before being housed.”

Website: newforest.greenparty.org.uk

We asked all the candidates seven questions suggested by readers. Here are this candidate's responses

Where do you stand on the Digital Economy Bill? Would you support a repeal?

I oppose the Digital Economy Bill because I disagree with the idea of disconnecting internet users for copyright infringements. I would support a repeal of this Bill.

Where do you stand on the Hunting Bill? Would you support a repeal?

I am not in favour of fox hunting so would not support a repeal of the Hunting Bill.

What is your position on Post Office closures?

I am not in favour of further Post Office closures and would look to re-open office that have closed.

Where do you stand on climate change? Do you intend to deliver the current target of 15% of renewable energy by 2020, and if so, how?

Climate change is the biggest challenge we face. A target of 15% of renewable energy by 2020 is not enough to if we are to avoid "runaway" climate change. We need to aim for 50% of renewable energy by 2020. The only way to achieve a shift to renewable energy on this scale is for direct government investment in renewables such as offshore wind and investment in the grid. This would also create 80,000 jobs.

Do you support the building of more affordable housing in your area and if so, would you support the relaxation of green belt rules to accomodate it?

We need to build more council houses but green belt rules should not be relaxed. We also need to make better use of the 1 million homes that are empty across the country through empty property use orders.

Would you support a rise in VAT?

I would support introducing VAT on certain things that currently are not subject to VAT, such as air travel, financial services and betting duties and also on new houses putting them on a level with conversions and renovations of existing buildings. In the long run we would aim to replace VAT with eco-taxes.

Where do you stand on the issue of acadamies?

I would phase out academies because I think it is wrong for business and other outside organisations to have too great an influence over schools.