Labour's Investment to Deliver the Homes Stockport Needs
Housing remains the single biggest issue raised with me by residents across Stockport. Week after week, I hear from families struggling with high rents, young people who feel home ownership is out of reach, and people facing long waits for a secure and affordable home.
That is why I welcome the Government's announcement of the first £10 billion allocation from Labour's record £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme. This funding will support the delivery of more than 70,000 homes across England and represents the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation.
Across Greater Manchester, around £529 million of investment is expected to support the delivery of approximately 4,400 homes. This is the kind of ambitious action that is needed after years of underinvestment in genuinely affordable housing.
Stockport faces a serious housing challenge. For far too long, local residents have paid the price for the Liberal Democrat-led Stockport Council's failure to deliver the homes our communities need. There are almost 10,000 households waiting for social housing, while many families are forced into temporary accommodation or face ever-increasing costs in the private rented sector. It is disappointing, but sadly unsurprising, to recently see Stockport at the bottom of the housing delivery table across the North of England.
I have repeatedly raised these concerns both locally and nationally. Stockport is a fantastic place to live, work and raise a family, but we cannot ignore the reality that housing demand continues to grow. We need more affordable properties, social rented housing, and homes that allow local people to stay in the communities they love; I strongly support Labour's commitment to get Britain building again.
Importantly, around 60% of the homes set to be delivered are expected to be for social rent, the most affordable type of rented housing. At a time when nearly 180,000 children across the country are growing up without a permanent home, that focus on social housing could not be more important.
The Government has set an ambitious target to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament, and every area must play its part. I want to see Stockport leading from the front. Our borough needs a clear plan to meet housing demand and I will continue to press for action from Stockport Council.
Labour's investment marks a major step forward. After years in which too many people were left waiting, this Government is taking action to address the housing crisis and deliver the secure, affordable homes people need.
Notes -
Manchester Evening News (20 August 2026): Stockport council slammed and labelled 'the worst' for new homes after damning figures released - https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/stockport-council-slammed-labelled-the-34486408