Stockton Liberal Democrats

31/07/2026

We appreciate the effort that goes in to making SIRF one of the best festivals in the country, however we feel deeply for the businesses who have had to endure months behind a fence with the demolition of the Castlegate to find themselves in the busiest weekend once again facing out onto railings.

We call on Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to review their event plan to ensure that our local small businesses are accommodated when events are being held on the new Urban Park.

22/07/2026

VAT removal ‘won’t cut it’ for Stockton residents as Luke John Frost, Chair of Stockton Liberal Democrats urges Burnham to back Lib Dem plans to slash bills

The Liberal Democrats say Andy Burnham’s plan to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills in October does not go far enough to help struggling households.

The Government’s scheme to cut the rate of VAT applied to household electricity from 5% to 0%, starting on 1 October would save people around £45 a year.

Local Campaigner for Thornaby, Luke John Frost, says however, the Lib Dems’ ‘Essential Energy Guarantee plan’ would save the average household more than double this amount.

It would cut energy bills by £100 for the average household in Stockton and Thornaby, helping to tackle the cost of living crisis and put money back in people’s pockets.

It would see every household receive a basic energy allowance, equivalent to 50% of average energy consumption, at a discounted rate, helping with the cost of everyday essential energy needs like heating, lighting, and running medical equipment.

According to House of Commons Library data, over 7,500 households in the Borough of Stockton are in fuel poverty, struggling to afford their most basic energy needs.

The Lib Dems’ Essential Energy Guarantee intervention would save the average household £100 a year, while the poorest 20% would save an average of £140.

Families would receive extra allowances for children, and the most vulnerable - such as people with disabilities or on the lowest incomes would receive the discounted rate on all their energy use.

The Lib Dem scheme will be funded by clawing back £7 billion in unexpected windfall profits from monopoly energy network operators.

However, funding for the Government’s VAT cut has already been criticised by a former Labour minister. It was announced the Government would reallocate funds from the now-scrapped Digital ID scheme, which Darren Jones has pointed out was “unfunded”, in a social media post.

Thornaby Liberal Democrat Campaigner Luke John Frost said “We need to get money back into the pockets of people in Stockton and Thornaby but tinkering with VAT on energy bills simply doesn't cut it. It is a drop in the ocean compared to the soaring costs families are facing".

10/07/2026

This is great news, however Stockton Council have dropped the ball and only submitted the Town Centre Ward and not the whole of the Borough. No other applicant has submitted a ward - why would you?

🙌🫶 Stockton town has been shortlisted in the race to be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028!

✅ Stockton is one of only 15 towns to make it onto the shortlist unveiled today (Thursday 9 July) from nearly 400 applications for the inaugural competition.

🗣️ Cllr Lisa Evans, Leader of the Council, said: "To be shortlisted for this prestigious accolade from such a high number of entries is wonderful news!"

Find out more: www.stockton.gov.uk/article/21785/Stockton-Town-among-elite-15-shortlisted-for-first-UK-Town-of-Culture

DRAKE - The Bookshop Preston Park Museum and Grounds ARC Stockton Arts Centre Stockton Globe Stockton International Riverside Festival Stockton Riverside College Tees Active Tees Music Alliance Department for Culture, Media and Sport Curious Arts

10/07/2026

Our FOCUS on Thornaby team are working on strengthening Selective Licensing to make sure that residents in Thornaby have a higher quality standard of homes. Its being active all year round that are helping them understand all of the issues residents face. Well done Team.

Everyone deserves to live in a safe, warm and secure home.

Too many residents in North Thornaby are still living with damp, mould, unsafe electrics and poorly managed rented properties.

We want a stronger Selective Licensing Scheme that puts residents first.

Our priorities are:

✅️ Renew the Scheme beyond 2029

✅ Annual inspections of every licensed property

✅ Tougher action against rogue landlords

✅ Better fire, electrical and housing safety

✅ Cleaner streets and better managed properties

✅ Faster responses when residents report problems

Good landlords have nothing to worry about.

It's the bad landlords who should.

Safer Homes. Better Landlords. Stronger North Thornaby.

04/07/2026

Getting people out of the house not only Improves physical health, but mental health. This is a great programme, good luck to the team when it goes to the Town Council at the end of the month.

A bench might seem like a small thing. In reality, it can make a huge difference.

Benches give older residents the confidence to walk further, knowing there's somewhere to stop and rest. They help parents with young children, people recovering from illness, those with disabilities, and anyone who simply needs a moment to pause.

A well-placed bench encourages people to walk instead of drive, improving physical health, reducing loneliness, and creating opportunities for neighbours to meet and chat. They make our parks, riverside paths and streets more welcoming for everyone.

That's why we, your local Liberal Democrats are calling for a Bench Programme across Thornaby.

We want to see new benches installed along popular walking routes, near local shops, parks and the River Tees, ensuring every resident can enjoy our town regardless of age or mobility.

This isn't just about somewhere to sit.
It's about creating a healthier community, tackling social isolation, supporting independent living, and making Thornaby a place where everyone can enjoy getting outdoors.

Small investment. Big impact.

Let's build a healthier, more connected Thornaby, one bench at a time

04/07/2026

Our Focus team in Thornaby are busy setting out their plans to make Thornaby a better place to live, a lot of work has been happening in Thornaby on the ground. Lib Dems are showing that we will be active all year round, not just in a run up to an election.

04/07/2026

Every resident deserves a home that is safe, healthy and fit for the future. We will raise housing standards by holding poor landlords to account, helping homeowners invest in their properties, and taking proactive action to improve homes across Thornaby.

01/07/2026

No child in Thornaby should go hungry, miss out on opportunities or be held back because of poverty. We will work to maximise family incomes, reduce household costs, improve opportunities and ensure every child gets the best possible start in life.

27/06/2026

Childhood poverty in Stockton isn't an accident. It's a political choice.

For years, we've accepted a system where children go hungry, families in work still struggle to pay the bills, and parents are forced to choose between heating and eating.

That's not normal. It's not acceptable. And it shouldn't be happening in one of the world's richest countries.

We don't have a shortage of talent in Stockton. We have a shortage of ambition from those in power.

When children are growing up in damp homes, schools are having to provide food and clothing, buses don't get people to work, and opportunities depend on your postcode, the system is failing.

Economic growth means very little if it doesn't reach the families who need it most.

We need to stop papering over the cracks and start tackling the root causes:

Better-paid, secure jobs.
Affordable, decent homes.
Reliable public transport.
Investment in children and young people.
Early support for families before problems become crises.

A child's future should never be determined by where they're born or how much their parents earn.

Stockton can do better. Britain can do better. The question is whether those making the decisions have the courage to make it happen.

Children in Stockton deserve opportunity, not excuses.

27/06/2026

A great idea from our Focus Team in Thornaby.

Too many people in Thornaby tell us the same thing: they would walk more if they had somewhere to stop, rest and take in their surroundings.

That's why we're calling on the Town Council to introduce a Town Bench Programme across Thornaby.

Benches are not just somewhere to sit. They are an investment in healthier lives, stronger communities and a more accessible town for everyone.

We want to see new benches installed:

🪑 Along popular walking routes

🛍️ Near shopping areas and local centres

🚌 Close to bus stops

🌳 In parks and green spaces

🏫 Near community facilities

👵 In locations that support older residents and people with mobility challenges

A simple bench can help someone walk a little further, stay active for longer, enjoy their local area and reduce social isolation.

This is a practical, affordable investment that would benefit people of all ages.

Liberal Democrats are calling on Thornaby Town Council to work with residents to identify priority locations and begin a phased installation programme.

A healthier Thornaby starts with small changes that make a real difference