Heatons Post – March 2023

Heatons Post Article, March 2023.

The immense pressures on families due to the cost of living crisis are being exacerbated by a shortage of affordable housing and rising rents in Stockport. This is the legacy of a decade of Conservative mismanagement of our nation’s housing.

The Conservatives have failed to replenish housing lost to ‘right to buy’. With the number of new social rented homes falling by over 80% between 2010 and 2020, there is insufficient social housing to go around. My constituents frequently contact me about housing access.

The lack of housing pushes people into the increasingly expensive and unregulated private rental sector. New research reveals that 1.6 million children live in privately rented homes with damp, mould or excessive cold, and that over 50% of private renters are currently struggling with at least one of these problems. I will continue pressing the government for greater legal protections for renters.

Growing numbers of NHS dentists are leaving to go private. In the North West, 98% of dentists are not accepting new adult patients. This makes it incredibly difficult for many Stockport residents to access dental care.

This reflects the broader NHS staffing crisis. I will continue to support our hardworking NHS staff and back their calls for a fair wage.

I welcome Labour’s Veteran’s Voice campaign. This nationwide listening campaign will strengthen our links with veterans, enabling us to make their experiences central to our decision-making. Our Armed Forces personnel contribute hugely to our country and their needs have been ignored for too long. In February I asked the minister for housing what he is doing about homelessness among veterans in Greater Manchester.

As ever, if you live or work in Stockport constituency and require support on any issue please do not hesitate to contact me by emailing navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk or calling 0161 480 0833.