Stockport Liberal Democrats

Stockport Lib Dems have stopped an attempt by to prevent market traders handing out red roses on St George’s Day.

“When I was told about this on Friday, I thought the idea was completely daft and I asked it to be sorted out right away,” said Cllr Iain Roberts, who has responsibility for the market.

“Senior council officers agreed and, within an hour, the record had been put straight, and the issue resolved.”

The issue came about when junior council officers misinterpreted election law. The law says that councils can’t campaign for political parties. Going by an old legal ruling, the junior officials told market traders that handing out red roses during the local elections could be interpreted as campaigning for Labour, as Labour’s symbol is the red rose.

“It was completely ludicrous,” said Iain. “There was no political campaigning, just market traders doing something special for St George’s Day at Stockport’s historic market hall. Senior council officers agreed and the whole thing was quickly sorted out, but it should never have been an issue in the first place. I’m proud to mark England’s national day and I’m proud of Stockport’s historic market.”

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.