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?
– Lisa Smart calls for a new central hospital in Stockport in addition to Stepping Hill – New location proposed near former Debenhams site and new transport interchange
A sickness compensation scheme which would have allowed anyone who gets sick as a result of illegal sewage dumping to claim compensation from water companies has been turned down by the Tory Government.
The Labour party has confirmed what was clear from the last election, announcing to its members that it will not seriously contest the constituency of Hazel Grove at the next election.
Conservative MPs, including the outgoing MP for Hazel Grove, have been criticised after voting against a Liberal Democrat amendment which would have committed the government to improving GP and ambulance wait times.
A staggering 174 out of every 1,000 NHS patients in Stockport – more than one in six residents – who have been referred for treatment are still waiting it to start – the fifth worst performing area of the country.
MP candidate Lisa Smart and Councillor Jake Austin were delighted to meet students at Hazel Grove High School, as part of their mock elections; part of the school’s “Beliefs and values” classes.