The national decrease in unemployment in the UK is mirrored in Stockport, where the number of people claiming job seekers allowance decreased by 1.9% this month – and by 2% in Adswood & Bridgehall.
This fall in unemployment was one of the largest in the area, with the overall Greater Manchester fall being 0.9% and the national fall being 1.1%.
Stockport also has more job vacancies per-claimant than the national or Greater Manchester averages.
Sue Derbyshire supported the Lib Dem young apprentice plan - Labour threatened it by voting for a Tory plan to direct money to a sports club with 400 members.
Stockport also achieved the highest number of new 16-18 Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships in Greater Manchester.
A total of a 307 16-18 year olds started an Advanced (L3/A Level standard) Apprenticeship in the borough from July 2010 to July 2011 – a 77% increase on the previous 12 month period.
The figure is the highest in Greater Manchester, and Stockport’s increase is higher than both the North West (23.9%) and national average (23.3%) over the same period.
This success comes on the back of new Council initiatives such as the 50:50 Apprenticeship Scheme which increases apprenticeship opportunities with employers by grant funding.
Ann has been praised for her work in helping secure Sheffield stands for local rail stations.
Work from local Councillor Ann Smith means that Hazel Grove rail station is to get 50 secure cycle spaces, to be provided by a special Government grant.
Hundreds of residents in Davenport and Cale Green ward use Hazel Grove station for commuting around the North West and beyond. Ann has been fighting for extra capacity for cycle spaces so local residents can cycle to Hazel Grove station in confidence.
Sheffield stands (pictured) will be installed at Hazel Grove as well as cover, lighting, CCTV and swipe card access.
Craig Wright, Stockport’s representative on the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, praised Ann’s campaign work, saying “This has only happened as a result of the persistence of Kevin Hogg, Wendy Orrell and Ann Smith.”
Sue Derbyshire has reassured residents about the future of the site
Sue Derbyshire reports to residents in the latest Manor FOCUS that following a local consultation there is no possibilitythat the Offerton School site would be used for a gypsy or traveller base.
There will be a use of a temporary sports hall for the groups displaced by the Dialstone development. Work on a Planning Brief begins this summer to explore uses for the site and will include a public consultation.
Sue will lead the fight against any large-scale plans like major housing development as the site is in the green belt and has limited access.
This month Stockport residents are seeing the benefits of their Council tax having been frozen after a decision by Lib Dems on Stockport Council.
The decision is common with all Lib Dem-led authorities throughout over the country. Both Labour and Tory councils have raised taxes this year.
In freezing the tax frontline services were kept – despite Labour scaremongering. No library services have been cut, and additional money has been put into repairing potholes and other services.
“More is going into social services for older people and those with learning difficulties – a crucial extra £1.5m,” said Sue Derbyshire.
‘I am particularly pleased that when other councils nearby are announcing cuts to their services to vulnerable people, we are investing.”
Sue was astonished that Labour prioritised a Heatons club with 400 members over Stockport's apprentice scheme
Local Councillor Sue Derbyshire has criticised local Labour councillors for voting on a Tory plan to spend £750k of local money on a sports club in Heaton Moor.
Labour kept their own budget plans secret, but Labour councillors did vote with Tories from the Heatons to divert £750k of local money to a sports club with just 400 members.
Sue said “this £750k Labour wanted would have come from wards such as Manor, and from vital local services throughout Stockport.”
One project that would have been lost if the Tory/Labour proposal had succeeded is the excellent work being done to establish a Construction Academy and to help unemployed young people get into apprenticeships.
Manor’s former Labour Councillor Patrick McAuley slammed the vote:
“I am absolutely furious to be honest. To vote for a Tory budget and against getting people on the jobs ladder to win a few votes in the rich areas of the Heatons is not just a disgrace, it is sick.”
“I will never forgive Labour’s betrayal and treatment of those young people.”
Sue announced the spending on key schemes in Stockport
Stockport Council’s Lib Dem Executive has announced £1 million to be spent on priority and green spending in the borough in 2012/13.
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Manor Councillor and Deputy Leader of the Council said: “This funding will support Stockport’s businesses and build on a strong and sustainable economy and strong levels of educational attainment and skills. The Council aims to lead the way in creating a sustainable future for our environment and economy.”
“In difficult times for local authorities being able to bring additional investment into jobs and environmental projects to benefit our communities shows our commitment to the future of Stockport,” Cllr Derbyshire added.
The money will be used for:
– Portas Pilot Bid (£100,000 match-funding): Stockport is bidding to be a ‘Portas Pilot’, seeking government funding to support the regeneration of the town centre. £1m is being offered nationally to be shared between 12 pilot town centres. The aim is to increase footfall across the town centre and support existing and new businesses. Successful bids will be announced in May.
– Develop a Construction Academy in Brinnington (£250,000 contribution): The Council, working with Stockport College, Stockport Homes and other partners, is proposing a Construction Academy/Learning Centre in Brinnington to reduce youth unemployment and improve skills of local residents. The proposed Academy/Learning Centre could, for example, help local, unemployed people work towards a Level 2 certificate in Construction Operations and gain literacy and numeracy skills.
– Replacement of trees (£150,000): Stockport has 15,000 street trees maintained on an on-going basis. Trees play an important role in enhancing the urban environment, and bring a sense of the countryside into the heart of the town. Around 800 new trees will be planted in 2012-13.
– Green Regeneration Fund (GRF). Following the excellent recycling efforts by Stockport residents, the Waste Disposal Levy will be much lower than originally forecast. The savings have been re-invested in the GRF and used for:
– Eco-neighbourhoods (£125,000): The aim is to build on existing community led initiatives in the Heatons and Marple, and the Big Lottery short-listed ‘Eco-Plan’ for Brinnington, Reddish and Lancashire Hill and Heaton Norris. Neighbourhood eco-plans will be developed for priority areas. This will support the setting up of new resident-led sustainable living groups and community projects.
– Sustainable Energy (£375,000). Funding will be invested in viable renewable electricity and heat schemes and providing local training and employment for priority groups. Stimulating demand for training and employment in green jobs is through delivering specific schemes. Specific project areas to be developed include local biomass supply chain development, solar PV and small scale hydro schemes.
This month Stockport residents are seeing the benefits of their Council tax having been frozen after a decision by Lib Dems on Stockport Council.