Labour Government's Neglect Leaves Stockport Behind
Tom Morrison MP: Labour Government's Neglect Leaves Stockport Behind
As the Member of Parliament for Cheadle, I am deeply concerned by the Labour government's continued neglect of Stockport. Recent decisions have starkly highlighted this disregard, particularly in the allocation of the £600 million Recovery Grant fund and the urgent need for investment in Stepping Hill Hospital.
Stockport Overlooked in Recovery Grant Allocation
It is disheartening to learn that Stockport is one of only three metropolitan councils nationwide to receive no portion of the £600 million Recovery Grant fund, alongside Trafford and Solihull. This fund is intended to support areas with greater need and demand for services, yet Stockport has been unjustly excluded. Council leader Mark Hunter emphasized the unfairness of this decision, noting that Stockport was a mere 0.01% below the funding threshold.
Stepping Hill Hospital's Dire Situation
The situation at Stepping Hill Hospital is equally alarming. The hospital faces a £134 million bill to address a significant backlog of repairs, including issues like condemned buildings, flooded corridors and collapsing ceilings. Despite the pressing need, the government has ruled out providing the necessary funds for these critical repairs. Health Minister Karin Smith stated that the government could not afford to help fund the £134 million needed for repairs.
Fighting for Stockport’s Fair Share
Stockport has been ignored for too long, and I refuse to stand by while our community is left behind. I am pressing the government at every opportunity to secure the urgent funding needed for Stepping Hill Hospital, raising this issue directly in Parliament and with Ministers. I have also been fighting for Stockport to get its fair share of support, working with local leaders to challenge this blatant injustice. Our town has huge potential, but we need real investment to unlock it—investment that I will continue to push for every single day.
Labour’s Jobs Tax Will Worsen the Crisis
Instead of backing small businesses and job creation, Labour is making things worse with its National Insurance hike—a tax on jobs that will stifle growth and hurt local businesses. The answer to this is to turbo-charge growth by scrapping the jobs tax and raising the necessary revenue for our NHS from the big banks and tech companies instead. After the Conservative Party’s disastrous legacy of economic vandalism, the Chancellor needs to go for growth through fairer tax measures that can unleash small businesses, not undermine them. Stockport’s hardworking people and businesses deserve better than this double hit of funding cuts and tax hikes.
A Call for Immediate Action
The Labour government's refusal to invest in Stockport's essential services is unacceptable. While other regions receive funding and support, Stockport is left to grapple with underfunded services and deteriorating infrastructure.
I urge the government to reconsider its stance and allocate the necessary funds to support Stockport's recovery and the vital repairs at Stepping Hill Hospital. The people of Stockport deserve fair treatment and access to safe, high-quality healthcare facilities. It is time for the government to act responsibly and ensure that our community is not left behind.