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?
The promise of better financial education for children as part of the updated curriculum must not be undermined by the huge pressures on school budgets, says local Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart.
The Labour Government’s “Golden Hello” scheme for dentists has been condemned after it was revealed that only two dentists have been employed through the scheme in the whole of Greater Manchester.
Proposals for warm spaces in Stockport this winter have been given a boost by local MP Lisa Smart, who has submitted a motion to Parliament supporting the approach, and has questioned ministers to get more funding for the schemes.
Shocking data from the Home Office has revealed a bike theft epidemic in Greater Manchester, with just 49 criminals charged or summonsed in 2,436 bike theft cases.
The ongoing reduction in local authorities’ spending power can only be tackled by the Government addressing the critical shortfalls in social care, local MP Lisa Smart has told a Commons debate on local government funding.
Local MP Lisa Smart has met with Historic England to discuss options for reviving Woodbank Hall, the Grade II* listed building in Woodbank Memorial Park.