Stockport's Labour MP Navendu Mishra has criticised the Liberal Democrat-led council for spending £28,000 on a failed legal challenge against new homes at Woodford Garden Village, calling into question the authority's use of public money amid stretched services.
The bill adds to previous costs from the Mirrlees Fields case, where taxpayers covered legal fees after the council's planning decision was overturned. Mishra argues these battles undermine the spirit of devolution championed by the new Labour government.
Devolution and Local Decision-Making
Mishra highlighted the new political landscape with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig, both Labour, who have pledged to give more power to local communities. He stressed that decisions affecting Stockport should be made closer to home, not in Whitehall.
"For too long, decisions affecting Stockport have been made in Whitehall by people who do not know our communities as well as we do," Mishra wrote in a column. He welcomed the government's commitment to devolution, which he says means more powers, investment, and responsibility for local leaders.
Council's Legal Costs Under Fire
The MP pointed to the council's recent legal defeat as a misuse of funds. "After taxpayers were left to foot the bill for legal costs following the Mirrlees Fields case, the Liberal Democrat-led Council has now been ordered to pay £28,000 after unsuccessfully attempting to block new homes at Woodford Garden Village," he said.
He questioned whether such costly battles represent the best use of residents' money, especially when public services are under pressure. "If we are serious about building the homes people need... we need a council that works constructively to deliver the right homes in the right places, not one that repeatedly racks up legal bills trying to oppose these much-needed new homes," he added.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Mishra expressed optimism about the future, citing Labour's lead in opinion polls and the potential for partnership between Westminster, Greater Manchester, and Stockport. He said the focus must now be on turning vision into tangible improvements in public services and ensuring every part of Stockport benefits.
"I believe this is an exciting moment for our town," he concluded, urging collaboration across all levels of government to build a stronger future for Stockport.
