The Labour Government has doubled the housing targets for Stockport, while weakening the protections for green belt. As a result, developers are targeting building on our green spaces first; this means that the houses are less affordable, less accessible, and in the wrong places for people struggling to get on the housing market.
On average, an “affordable house” in the villages outside Stockport, by the Government's definition, still costs £323,8231. The average cost of an affordable house in Stockport town centre is just £167,5132. Only one of those is within reach for the vast majority of first-time buyers.
That's why we're calling on the Government to change its approach and provide new housing that communities want. That means social and affordable housing. That means housing on brownfield sites first. And it means building the GPs, schools and transport links that make local people's lives better, not put an added strain on the system.
If you think that the UK should be building more truly affordable housing, with better schools and healthcare, and with the community being part of the process, sign our petition.
Do you believe the Government should give local residents more say in the planning process, to guarantee brownfield development first, and to ensure that schools and GPs must be an essential part of any large development?
Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart has demanded action from the Government over “insurmountable” blocks on dentists wanting to work in the area, caused by their “Certificate of Sponsorship” Scheme.
MP Lisa Smart has written to Health Minister Karin Smyth following the news that closures at Buxton Hospital have seen patients redirected to Stepping Hill, putting even more pressure on the hospital.
Local MP Lisa Smart has slammed the Labour Government over what she called “wildly misleading claims” about increases in the local government funding settlement and its impact on Stockport.
MP Lisa Smart has been resoundingly reselected for the Liberal Democrats at the next general election.
Local MP Lisa Smart went to Your Local Pantry’s branch in Woodley recently to meet with the volunteers and FareShare representatives and find out more about how they are helping local residents.
MP Lisa Smart visited the Wavers Community Café at Offerton Community Centre this week to see how the local initiative supports women to build confidence, skills, and connections so that they can lead successful lives.