Autumn Budget 2025
Although I was not able to deliver my speech during the recent Budget debate, this article sets out what I intended to raise in the House of Commons and why these issues are so important to our community.
Brinnington: Pride in Place Programme
I welcome the Government’s £20 million investment in Brinnington through the Pride in Place Programme: £2 million every year for the next decade. This funding can be directed towards the things residents tell me matter most: better facilities for children and young people, safer and cleaner streets, support for local businesses, and improvements to our parks and green spaces.
This is a brilliant opportunity to tackle long-standing challenges and rebuild pride in our neighbourhood. After years of neglect, I am proud that a Labour government is delivering meaningful investment in communities like ours.
Ending the Two-Child Benefit Cap
The decision to scrap the Two-Child Limit is one of the most transformative measures in this Budget. Nationally, it will lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Combined with the expansion of free school meals and other measures announced this year, Labour is set to deliver the largest fall in child poverty on record- lifting 550,000 children out of hardship. In Stockport alone, 3,030 children will benefit.
This cruel policy was introduced by the Conservatives, and its removal will open up life chances for thousands of children who deserve far better.
Stepping Hill Hospital
Stepping Hill Hospital, which serves many of my constituents, is facing a crisis. The building is outdated and crumbling, with repair bills exceeding £90 million. Despite the dedication and professionalism of staff, years of underinvestment have left patients paying the price.
I welcome the recent £2.6 million awarded for urgent repairs, but this is only a fraction of what is needed to make the hospital fit for the future. We must go much further to address the dire state of public service infrastructure inherited from previous Conservative and coalition governments. Patients and staff deserve safe, modern, and high-quality facilities.
Reddish Baths and Community Centre
Reddish is another area that has suffered from long-term neglect by Stockport Council and previous governments. Since the closure of the much-loved Reddish Baths, the community has been left without vital leisure facilities. The former baths and community centre site now lies derelict.
I have raised this directly with Sport England, including questions about support for both Reddish and the Grand Central Leisure Centre. Unfortunately, the response was deeply disappointing. Reddish deserves better and I will continue pressing for investment in the leisure and community facilities people rely on.
Council Tax Reform
Our council tax system is outdated, regressive, and increasingly indefensible. While I welcome the new surcharge on properties valued above £2 million, this alone does not fix the problem.
Stockport residents pay, on average, 0.83% of their property’s value each year. This is one of the highest rates in the country. In the Cities of London and Westminster, this figure is just 0.06%.
The surcharge helps address some inequality but it does nothing for residents here who are struggling under soaring bills. Council tax is still based on outdated and unfair property valuations from nearly 30 years ago. This archaic system often pushes households into debt. The way arrears are handled makes matters worse. Instead of recognising genuine financial hardship, the current approach treats people as if they are deliberating refusing to pay, leading to aggressive enforcement and traumatic bailiff action.
We need comprehensive reform. Under Fairer Share’s proposals, 99% of Stockport households would receive a cut to council tax, with the average household saving £600 per year.
I also want to take this opportunity thank Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, for his tireless work in highlighting the urgent need for change.
Funding for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
I am a proud member of the Fire Brigades Union. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is essential in keeping nearly three million people safe across one of the UK’s fastest growing regions.
I have seen firsthand the life-saving work carried out by GMFRS despite increasing financial pressure. I am pleased that the King Street West fire station in Stockport is being completely rebuilt as part of the Estates Improvement Programme - one of the first in Greater Manchester.
However, the overall funding picture remains extremely challenging. GMFRS has had no capital budget for a decade, multiple grants have been removed, and last year it faced a deficit of almost £3 million. Firefighters are performing increasingly complex work, yet their pay has not kept pace with inflation or comparable sectors.
Recent events underline just how vital GMFRS is:
Crews provided rapid life-saving intervention following the terror attack in Crumpsall.
During January’s major flooding, GMFRS carried out over 1,000 water rescues.
Beyond emergencies, GMFRS delivers programmes tackling serious violence, reoffending, substance misuse, and antisocial behaviour.
Investment in GMFRS is not optional, it is essential for public safety, climate resilience, and national security.
Pubs, High Streets and Business Rates
I am pleased that the government is transforming the business rates system and introducing permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. Around 3,560 RHL businesses in Stockport will benefit from these lower multipliers, helping to protect our high streets and support small businesses that are vital to our local economy.
NatWest Branch Closure and Access to Cash
Access to cash remains essential, particularly for older people, disabled residents, low-income households and those with limited digital literacy. Yet NatWest Group has closed over 1,000 branches since 2015, more than any other banking group.
NatWest made £6.2 billion in pre-tax operating profit in 2024. This is the same institution formerly rescued with a £45 billion taxpayer bailout, with public ownership peaking at 84%. The group still has a duty of care to the public and should maintain services that are vital to local communities.
I recently requested a LINK cash access assessment for Reddish. While LINK found no significant gap, I firmly believe the government must ensure that access to cash remains a priority and that no community should be left behind.