Opposition councillors in Stockport are demanding 'immediate improvements' to conditions in some of the borough's social housing blocks.

Major concerns have been voiced by opposition groups at the town hall over a 'litany of ongoing issues' affecting Stockport tenants, particularly in areas such as Lancashire Hill.

James Frizzell, a councillor in Reddish, said people living in Lancashire Hill have faced multiple issues, including 'unreliable lifts leaving people with mobility issues stranded', rodent infestations, and 'frequent water leaks in flats across the estate'.

He called for 'immediate and tangible improvements', adding: "This is not an exhaustive list, but this snapshot of ongoing deterioration demonstrates how life is made harder and, in some cases, very unpleasant for residents who only ask for a decent place to live."

Social housing firm Stockport Homes manages thousands of properties in Stockport on behalf of the council and private landlords.

Lib Dem-controlled Stockport council has vowed to 'do more' for residents and 'continue improving services'.

The comments by the opposition were made as Stockport council and Stockport Homes were given glowing reviews by the Regulator of Social Housing in a recent inspection focused on consumer standards.

A judgement from the Regulator gave the council top marks (C1) for how it was meeting standards.

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It said in a report: "From the evidence and assurance gained during the inspection we have concluded that overall, Stockport MBC is delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and is making effective use of its systems to identify and address potential issues and areas for improvement."

Opposition councillors welcomed the rating – but said more needs to be done.

Councillor Frizzell added: "Although I am pleased that Stockport council housing services has been awarded a C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, this would seem to function more as a top-level assessment of compliance than a direct reflection of every tenant's lived experience.

"That Stockport Homes and the council have the processes in place to deal with problems as they arise is not in doubt, and this is what is reflected in the regulators' report and grading.

"What is not shown is the impact these events have on tenants, especially in places like Lancashire Hill, where a litany of ongoing issues negatively impact residents' lives far too frequently."

Asa Caton is an independent councillor in the Edgeley ward.

He said: "A C1 confirms Stockport council and Stockport Homes are meeting the consumer standards, and that's worth acknowledging. But the framing risks reading as a reassurance exercise to residents whose day-to-day experience doesn't match the headline.

"The issues that come across my desk haven't gone away because of an inspection outcome.

"Repairs that drag, a lack of proactive estates management, lifts out of service for weeks at a time, communication that arrives late or not at all, and a sense that complaints disappear into a process rather than getting resolved.

"The grading doesn't change any of that, and we need to be honest about the gap between the regulatory picture and what residents are actually living with."

Councillor Rachel Wise, leader of Stockport Labour group, added: "The inspection highlights real strengths in areas such as repairs, tenant engagement and complaints handling.

"However, at the same time, we are aware that there are still residents who are experiencing issues with their homes or frustrations with communication, and those concerns must continue to be listened to and acted upon."

A Stockport council spokesperson responded: "We know that across housing services there is always more to do for residents and we will continue to focus on listening to residents, learning from feedback and improving services."

Lib Dem Councillor Jake Austin, the council's cabinet member for housing, said: "We are pleased that the council has received this top grade from the housing regulator. It is a show of confidence in the work Stockport Homes and the council achieve together for its residents, even in the face of national challenges within the housing sector.

"Stockport is one of only a handful of local authorities' to have achieved a C1 grading, but we recognise that there are always ways to go further and do better.

"As the Liberal Democrat administration, we are focussed on making sure these high regulatory standards are reflected in the real-life experience of our residents. The ruling from the regulator specifically pointed to the customer-centric approach that Stockport Homes takes, and the seriousness in which we deal with the challenges ahead of us.

"These challenges are significant, but Stockport Homes' transparent approach to dealing with the issues on fire safety are bearing fruit. The results of the independent investigation are due to be scrutinised by council members at our next scrutiny cycle, and the action plan to tackle these issues will be complete within the summer."

Responding to the C1 rating from the social housing regulator, Stockport Homes boss Carmel Chambers said: "We're extremely proud of the Regulator's verdict on the delivery of our council housing services."

She added: "We know there is always more to do, and the safety and wellbeing of our customers will always be our number one priority."

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