We’re gearing up for Stockport’s most important local election in a generation. As the controlling group on the council we’re extremely proud of our achievements and deeply honoured to have been able to demonstrate the difference a Labour council can make to people’s lives. Our campaign to win the right to continue that work starts now.
Cllr Alex Ganotis, Leader of Stockport Labour Group and Leader of the Council, writes:
In May 2016 it became my privilege to represent my home town as Leader of Stockport Council.
Since then, Stockport’s first ever Labour Cabinet has been extremely busy. We have seen numerous firsts and examples of transformative change from our ongoing town centre renewal to the way the council operates and the way adult social care is delivered.
In less than two years we have shown we are able to govern for the whole of Stockport with a record of being ambitious for our town and taking significant challenges head on.
We are proud of our record of achievement:
- Investing £25million in improving school buildings
- Delivering town centre renewal with the completion of Redrock, the second phase of Stockport Exchange and new routes into and around our town centre
- Progressing town centre investment with our plans for a modern transport interchange, upgradinging Merseyway and further development at Stockport Exchange
- Renewing the town’s Market Place with investment, proper management and new tenants and businesses
- Transforming how the council runs with new digital services and responsive democracy
- Building new affordable homes through Stockport’s first council-owned house building partnership, Viaduct
- Investing £5million to bring our parks and leisure facilities up to standard
- Prioritising and investing in road safety around our schools
All of this – and more – has happened in the face of unprecedented financial challenges. Across two budgets we have bridged a funding gap of £30million. We’ve done this through identifying savings, investing to save and generating additional revenue.
Despite this funding gap, we have a proud record of defending services through reform rather than through cuts and ensuring our growing economy works for all. It is now all the more important that Stockport keeps a Labour leadership with these principles at its heart.
None of the improvements we’ve made have happened by accident. They are the result of fresh thinking and hard work brought to you by Stockport’s first ever Labour administration. We’re proud of that.
Our Manifesto for this year’s local elections sets out how we will build on our record to date and how our vision for a future where local government ensures that growth benefits everyone and services are properly protected.
Together we can make sure Stockport thrives and remains a place where people are proud to live, work and grow. Say you’re with us.
Click or tap these icons for the 50 things we pledge to do should we retain control of Stockport Council in May, and for the top 20 achievements we’re most proud of.
Our Published Manifesto is also available to view and download as a PDF document here.