The new Liberal Democrat leadership at Stockport Town Hall has hit the ground running with a series of initiatives and announcements to shape their first 100 days in office.
First off, to reflect the current cost of living crisis facing many people, and help hard-pressed local council tax payers, the Lib Dems have announced their aim for a council tax freeze. A close examination of Council finances is already underway with a focus on tight control of all Town Hall expenditure.
Secondly, an urgent review of the previous Labour administration’s plans to close the historic Grade II listed Central Library has already commenced. Lib Dems opposed this decision in opposition and are determined to see at least some library services retained at the existing building. This should not impact the plan for new facilities at Stockroom in Merseyway.
Next, Stockport Local Plan – a legal obligation – requires a final round of public consultation which is on track to take place this autumn. Lib Dems are clear that one of the options to be put to the public should be for no new building on green belt land and instead commit to new homes in the right places on brownfield sites in the town centre and district centres.
Effective action on climate change and the environment will be a cornerstone of all we set out to achieve and will run through all aspects of our policy platform. A number of exciting new initiatives are planned such as a key summit with school and college students and local businesses, and others will follow. We will work with others to press for a workable Clean Air Zone plan that is fair to all.
Continuing concerns over crime and anti-social activity across the borough are also a priority for action and a special joint summit meeting with senior police officers and the new Cabinet team is planned. A closer working relationship with GMP, and a focus on action to tackle domestic burglaries and car crime is a key priority for the new Lib Dem administration at the Town Hall.
Finally, the determination to press ahead with our town and district centre regeneration plans will be an important marker for future success. Stockport’s unique Mayoral Development Corporation – backed by all parties – continues to make impressive progress and every effort is being made to encourage even more business investment into Stockport. The Stockport Economic Alliance, and other business organisations, will continue to be key partners.
Speaking after a meeting of the new Cabinet team, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Council and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: “We have wasted no time is getting to grips with the task in hand. There is much to do and we are up for the challenge. Stockport is a great place to live and work and we will strive to make it even better. With our Agenda for Action I believe we have a clear blueprint for how we intend to take Stockport forward. An open, transparent and accountable Council that listens to the voices of all residents will always be our aim”.
