The policies in this manifesto are the things we support for this specific election. We aim to develop these over time as we make deeper connections to the working class of Stockport.
We must demand the central government change how councils are funded and refuse to support austerity:
We will not vote for cuts. We will not vote for rises in Council Tax. We will push for the council to demand central government abolish Council Tax and increases taxes on the rich to fund councils at the levels needed to meet peoples needs. Stockport has faced around 16 years of near endless Council Tax rises and cuts. The way things are going it wouldn’t be a surprise if we end up with another 16 years of them.
If we do not stand up to central government together then they will continue to decide they can treat the people of Stockport however they please.
Councillors need to stop complaining about ‘having’ to make cuts and instead stop voting for them.
We promise to always support the working class in their struggles and campaigns:
The best hope for the working class people of Stockport is to unite and fight together for a better future.
We need to speak to each other, to help each other, to trust in each other and to believe we can build a better future if we work together.
Of course this fight is a bigger than just one election but change often happens one step at a time. Whether its supporting communities to organise and demand better, striking workers or groups fighting against oppression.
We will stand with you!
Socialism is the way forward. Help us build it in Stockport:
As members of Your Party we believe capitalism is a failed system built upon individual greed and competition. Capitalism is a system where power and resources are hoarded in the hands of a few. Socialism is a system where resources and infrastructure etc. are owned collectively and managed democratically by us all. Under socialism power is decentralised across society. It is a system whereby every person has an equal say in how society is governed.
For the working class to truly be able to rebuild our communities and build a better future together capitalism must ultimately be replaced with socialism.
Join Your Party today and help us build a party for socialism! https://in.yourparty.uk/users/sign_up
Let’s Rebuild Our Communities Together!
These are some of the things we think are needed for the working class to be able to come together and rebuild our communities.
Better homes for all: We will campaign for council housing, rent freezes and better action to tackle homelessness.
For a greener more sustainable Stockport: We support taking more action around climate change and sustainability.
We oppose all war and genocide: We oppose the war on Iran and the genocide in Palestine. We must come together to oppose these!
Free public transport: We will fight for better and more expansive public transport under workers and communities control.
Oppose all oppression: We will stand side by side with the working class in opposing all the forms of oppression they face.
Demand the council sets a budget which: Meets people’s needs and demands money from central government to fund it.
Easier public scrutiny of council finances: We will push for the council to publish an annual document which explains this in simple terms.
Support young people: We will demand the council support youth services including activities, events and career advice.
Defend community assets: We will always defend our libraries, parks and community centres and demand better funding.
Scrutinise all buildings projects: We will scrutinise all projects etc. to ensure they meet the people’s needs, not developer’s profits.
More community events: We will work to get more free, fun and accessible community events to bring people together.
Push for community wealth schemes: Such as community-owned renewable energy projects, gardens, businesses, and more, with some investment coming from the pensions scheme.
Fight for the Local Government pension fund to divest from: all fossil fuel companies and all Israeli companies and companies which supply armaments, technology or financial services to Israel.
Helping with local issues: We will always assist residents with any local issues they have and direct them to where they can get support if needed.
Highest standards of conduct: In office we will always treat everyone with respect. Elected representatives should work with people not mock and belittle them.
Push for more power and resources for neighbourhoods: Devolution should not just stop at a council level we need more truly local involvement.
Keep our promises: Councillors shouldn’t say one thing during an election and then do another when in office. If we make a promise we will keep it.