Author: stockportlibdems

13,500 families across Stockport borough will lose out under Conservative plans to cut tax credits.

Figures produced by the House of Commons Library show over three million low income working families currently in receipt of tax credits will see their entitlement reduced, as part of the Government’s proposals.  The change will mean a total loss of over £14m to families across Stockport, with the average family losing £750 a year.

Despite claims from the Conservatives that those affected will benefit from plans to increase the minimum wage, the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies has said Tory figures don’t stack up.

IFS analysis shows a £750 average loss will only be offset by £200 as a result of the new minimum wage.  Liberal Democrats have opposed the move and said it undermines the work of the Coalition Government, to make sure it always pays more to be in work than on benefits.

Stockport Council Leader Sue Derbyshire said: “The changes to tax credits will hammer families across Stockport. The move completely undermines any claim the Tories have of being on the side of working families.

“What makes this even worse is that over 20,400 children in our area will now be forced to live in poorer households, reducing their life chances and making it harder for their parents to make ends meet.

“Study after study have shown that the Conservative’s claim to be supporting low income families through a minimum wage increase nowhere near make up for these cuts. It’s time for them to come clean and be honest with those doing the right thing and going out to work.

“I am pleased that Lib Dems are opposing this measure. We worked hard in coalition to ensure that work would always pay more than choosing to remain on benefits. It is a disgrace the Conservatives are now undermining this good work.”

If you think Stockport Council should be having a proper debate about how best to deal with the problem of legal highs, please support our campaign and sign our petition.

Stockport Lib Dems went into the Full Council meeting on 2nd July looking forward to a proper debate on how best to tackle the problem of legal highs.

All parties agree is a real issue in the borough, ruining lives and needing quick action.

But, on this important issue, Labour and the Conservatives had cooked up a plan together to block debate after less than 20 minutes. A procedural motion was used at the Town Hall to stop anyone other than the first two speakers (one Tory, one Labour) having their say.

Stockport Lib Dems believe that we can do better by listening to the experts and developing a strategy based on the evidence of what works, but the other parties didn’t even want to hear it.

You can help undo this by supporting our campaign to get that proper debate here in Stockport. Sign our petition here.

Liberal Democrat-run Stockport Council has agreed to purchase Edgeley Park football ground following a special meeting of the Council’s Executive this week.

The deal with current owners Cheshire Sports, described as “crucial to the club’s future” will help secure the future of Stockport County football club and of an important community asset in the ground itself. The Council will have a landlord/tenant relationship with the club.

The rent paid by the club would cover the cost of the purchase, meaning that it won’t cost taxpayers a penny.

The decision to purchase the ground was made in a 13 minute meeting which you can watch here.

Charles Kennedy was an exceptional person, who has died far too young but will be remembered as someone who stood up for his beliefs and values, without attacking those who did not share those beliefs – he could debate and disagree without in anyway disrespecting those with different views.

Charles was a kind person.  I will never forget how at an event when he was campaigning to be party leader, he took the time to talk to a shy 12 year old and encourage him.

Charles’ ill health meant he had to stand down as Leader and I was always one of those who hoped he would one day be well enough to take up a leading role. It is shocking that that will never happen now.  The thoughts of the Liberal Democrats in Stockport are with his family.

Stockport Liberal Democrats last night secured their budget for 2015/16 which freezes council tax, protects key services and will see record investment in the borough. Neither Labour nor the Conservatives proposed any amendments.

Speaking after the Budget Council Meeting, Cllr Sue Derbyshire, Liberal Democrat Leader of the Council, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to set a balanced budget for the year ahead and, unlike many councils, without closing any libraries or parks. We are transforming council services to ensure we achieve the best outcomes with the money available, a task started back in 2009 when the then-Labour government told us about the cuts that were coming.

“Again we have been able to deliver a Council Tax freeze while setting out the largest programme of capital investment the borough has ever seen. Continued redevelopment of Stockport Exchange and the new Redrock development at Bridgefield sit alongside significant investment in our roads and public transport.

“We continue to work hard to ensure Stockport is a place people choose to live, work
and set up business in.”

Cllr Iain Roberts, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, said:

“It was disappointing that no other party offered an alternative budget or anyamendment to the Liberal Democrat proposals. Tory members were keen to say they supported our budget, while telling us our proposals were flawed, yet they had no alternatives to offer.

“Labour just attacked having any budget cuts at all, even though Ed Balls is proposing even more cuts if Labour win in May. We can only speculate why Labour failed to present an alternative budget.”