Stockport Council has taken a significant step towards reducing inequalities and tackling socioeconomic disadvantage across the borough by adopting Socio-Economic Duty. This long-awaited move, which Stockport Labour Group has long been advocating for, will ensure that all future strategic decisions made by the council are subject to thorough assessments of their impact on socioeconomic disparities.
Cllr Joe Barratt, Shadow Cabinet Member for Communities & Transport expressed his satisfaction with the council’s decision.
“I’m delighted that Stockport Labour’s repeated efforts to call on the Lib Dems to adopt the Socio-Economic Duty have finally been successful. This will ensure that all future strategic decisions that Stockport Council takes are subject to a full assessment of how they contribute to tackling socioeconomic disadvantage and reducing inequalities, which will no doubt lead to better outcomes for those that are really struggling across our town.”
Cllr Barratt also highlighted the importance of this development, especially in light of previous resistance from the council’s Cabinet.
“I’m particularly pleased that the Cabinet has now seen sense, considering that they have previously called into question whether adopting the duty was ‘the right way forward for Stockport.’ The Labour Group on Stockport Council have always been in full agreement that introducing the Socio-Economic Duty is undoubtedly the right way forward for the town, especially considering how polarised the borough is, and we will now continue to monitor how these proposals are implemented so that residents can be confident that decisions regarding council investment fully consider the impact they will have on those experiencing real hardship.”
Cllr Claire Vibert, Shadow Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing who has also been a strong advocate for the Socio-Economic Duty since her election, shared her enthusiasm for the council’s new direction.
“Since I was elected last year, I’ve pushed for Stockport Council to adopt the Socio-Economic Duty and to adopt a serious approach to tackling poverty, including by bringing a motion to the council meeting to propose this formally. I’m pleased to see these measures are now being put in place and look forward to working towards a more equal borough with opportunity for all our residents.”
Cllr David Meller, Leader of Stockport Labour Group, also shared his happiness at the decision. He said:
“The Socio-Economic Duty is something my group has pushed for since last year. After initially being told it wouldn’t be delivered until 2027, I’m very pleased sense has prevailed and our leadership on the issue has finally been recognised by the Lib Dem administration.
“I strongly believe embedding the Socio-Economic Duty into the council’s decision making will have a significant impact on the council’s work in addressing the major inequalities present within this borough.
“As I’ve said before, for every mile you travel from Bramhall to Brinnington, you lose around two years of life. This simply isn’t right.
“Implementing the Socio-Economic Duty will really help us address this issue that has existed in Stockport for too long. The work of Cllr Vibert and the group as a whole on this has to be commended.”
The Socio-Economic Duty aims to create a more equitable borough where all residents, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
Stockport Labour Group will remain vigilant in ensuring that the duty is fully implemented by the council administration and that it leads to meaningful change for those who need it most.