Stockport Liberal Democrats

Following united opposition, the Labour Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester have dropped their proposal to downgrade the cover at Offerton Fire Station, the Fire Brigade Union have written to thank Stockport Lib Dems for our support and campaign on this issue.

Speaking after the decision was announced and the letter from the Fire Brigade Union was received, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Lib Dems at Stockport Town Hall said: “I was relieved to hear that the Labour Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester have dropped this proposal, as were residents across Stockport. This is the second time in the past two years we have been faced with a reduction to the fire service within the borough and we have successfully argued our case on both occasions that a reduction in service would be unacceptable.

“I am delighted that the Fire Brigade Union recognise that, just as they themselves were, Stockport Liberal Democrats were opposed to this plan from the start. I particularly want to thank my colleagues Cllrs Lisa Smart and Tom Morrison, our parliamentary spokespersons from Hazel Grove and Cheadle respectively, who led our campaign on this vital issue.”

The letter from the Fire Brigade Union is below.

Following the recent issue of a Section 114 notice by Birmingham City Council signalling their effective bankruptcy, last night Stockport’s Liberal Democrat Cabinet agreed its first response to the difficult financial climate currently facing local government.

With the need to find almost £11m of savings or additional income for the next financial year, and a cumulative total of just over £44m by 2027/28, work has already started towards the budget which will need to be agreed by the Full Council in late February.

Speaking after the Cabinet Meeting, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Council, said: “Like all councils, we face significant financial challenges as a result of local government funding not keeping pace with the increased demand for services as well as the inflationary and national economic impacts on our costs. When people are coming up to me in the street and asking whether Stockport will be the next Birmingham, you know council finances are part of the public conversation like never before.

“We have a very strong tradition in Stockport of financial resilience and robustness. Councillors of all political stripes know that we have to work together and take the very difficult decisions needed to balance our books, rather than shy away from those decisions or try to gamble our way out of any deficit through speculative investments. We take seriously our role as custodian of public money and delivering best value.

“We also remain ambitious for Stockport in the face of these challenges. Our strong reputation means we have the ability to draw in one-off funding for regeneration schemes such as the Mayoral Development Corporation and the Transport Interchange, bringing money into our local economy and improvements to our borough.”

Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member with responsibility for the council’s budget, added: “Our Borough Treasurer has confirmed that it is highly unlikely that Stockport would need to issue a Section 114 notice. This is due to the robustness of our approach and the way all councillors work together on the council’s budget to deliver the best outcomes for the whole of Stockport.

“Some 70% of the council’s budget is now devoted to demand-led services, such as adult and children’s social care. We await the government’s long-promised solution to funding social care and we agree wholeheartedly with the Local Government Association that far more funds need to be provided to help us cope with rising costs and demand. In the absence of that extra money, we will do what is needed to deliver a balanced budget and ensure our continued financial robustness.”

The reports outlining the scale of the financial challenge the council faces and the initial responses of the Liberal Democrat Cabinet can be found here:

https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s223686/202309PARTAMTFPUpdate.pdf

https://democracy.stockport.gov.uk/documents/s223477/2023.09.06%20-%20Part%20B%20Report.pdf

In preparation for the opening of the new park at Stockport town centre’s Interchange development, Council Leader Mark Hunter and Cabinet members Cllr Grace Baynham and Cllr Mark Roberts all planted trees in the new two-acre town centre park.

Speaking after the event, Cllr Mark Hunter said: “The interchange is a fantastic development and the inclusion of two-acres of green space in the town centre demonstrates how we are prioritising green space in the development of our borough. The Interchange is not just a transport hub, it’s a space for everyone in Stockport to enjoy and it is a great example of partnership working between Stockport Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Transport for Greater Manchester.”

Cllr Grace Baynham, portfolio holder for Parks, Highways and Leisure, added: “The Interchange means that buses will all be able stop in one place rather than in different parts of the town centre, making it easier for people to use public transport. We continue to press the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to extend Metrolink into Stockport, which the interchange has been specifically designed to accommodate”.

Cllr Mark Roberts, portfolio holder for Climate Change and Environment and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “I am delighted that renewable energy has been built into the heart of the interchange project with the inclusion of solar panels, and I welcome the new urban greenspace being built into the heart of the town centre, increasing biodiversity”.

The interchange is due to open in 2024.

Pictured are Cllrs Hunter, Roberts and Baynham planting trees and inspecting the roof-top solar panels.

Stockport Liberal Democrats were proud once again to be the largest political presence at Stockport’s Annual Pride event in the Town Centre last Sunday.

Speaking after the event, Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member with portfolio responsibilities including Equalities and Diversity, said: “Despite the threatening weather there was a great turnout to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in the borough. I was really pleased to see such a high turnout from local groups and residents, but especially from my Liberal Democrat colleagues, all showing our support and enjoying such a friendly atmosphere.”

Cllr Jake Austin, organiser of the Liberal Democrat stall and presence on the day, added: “It was great to see so many people embracing Pride as an opportunity to stand up for their own identities and to demonstrate their support for and solidarity with others. Our stall had a poll asking passers-by to show how well the current government is addressing LGBTQ+ issues. The overwhelming response was that they are doing terribly, and so many people wanted to vote that we ran out of stickers! The day was a complete success and I really look forward to taking part again next year.”

The Stockport Lib Dem group will be out in force this Sunday in Stockport Town Centre for the town’s annual Pride celebration and parade. Last year the Lib Dems were the largest political presence at Stockport Pride, and we plan to continue the trend this year.

The Lib Dem stall has activities such as face painting, Lib Dem LGBTQ+ literature and a ‘have your say’ ballot box that will allow attendees to make comments and suggestions for the council on LGBTQ+ issues.

Speaking ahead of the event, Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of the Council, said: “The group are looking forward to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in the borough. I want to thank my colleagues who have organised our stall and all those who are taking part in what will be a great day.”

Portfolio Lead for Communities, Culture and Sport Cllr Frankie Singleton said: “ In what is a particularly challenging time for LGBTQ+ community, we stand with them against all forms of discrimination.”

A selection of pictures from group members at last year’s Pride event can be seen below.

Following the launch of a consultation which would see all of the ticket offices across Stockport closed, Liberal Democrats remain opposed to their closure and call on the government to think again.

Speaking after the train operators launched their consultation, Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member with responsibilities including transport, said: “We are dismayed by the proposal to close all ticket offices across Stockport. Ticket offices are a vital resource – they are were our residents can speak to someone for guidance with their travel plans, especially for those who don’t have easy access to the internet and other e-ticketing options. They are also the place people seeking wider assistance know that they can find a staff member, rather than searching across the various platforms of a station.

“The Lib Dems on Stockport Council successfully moved a motion opposing these proposals back in October last year. As a result we wrote to the Secretary of State, making clear our objections, and called various stakeholders to a Scrutiny meeting last November, but the government are still pressing ahead.

“We now urge residents to make their feelings known by responding to the consultation via www.northernrailway.co.uk/consultation-2023 or by writing to Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users, at Freepost RTEH-XAGE-BYKZ, Transport Focus, PO Box 5594, Southend on Sea, SS1 9PZ, so that we can try to save all of our ticket offices.”