Greener and Safer Law for Stockport

Written by Andrew Stunnell MP, Shadow Energy Spokesman and published in Stockport Times on Tue 10th Feb 2004

Much to my surprise I came top in the ballot for Private Members Bills in this session of Parliament. My bill faces a marathon of discussion before it can become law. Some Bills never make it. So I pleased my Sustainable and Secure Buildings Bill, which will make houses cheaper to run, safer to live in, and less damaging to the planet has jumped the first hurdle.

Last Friday my Bill got its 'unopposed Second Reading'. Now it goes to a committee of 20 or so MPs who will look at every line in detail before it comes back to the Commons for the decisive vote. If it survives, then the process is repeated in the House of Lords. If that is done before October, the Bill becomes law.

My Bill will make a small contribution to making Stockport greener and safer, cutting down the damage we do to the planet, and also making the criminals' job harder.

Cutting Crime

Greater Manchester Police give advice to builders and developers on how to 'build in' security from the beginning, avoiding dark alleyways and corners, and making sure doors, windows and locks are crime resistant. I was gobsmacked to find that no-one has to listen to the advice they give.

For instance a well-know developer built a whole estate of new homes in south Manchester that had dodgy patio doors. Week after week the Police were called out to break-ins where the doors were the weak point. When the Police asked the developer to change the doors he refused. Worse still, the Police tell me that exactly the same design is being used on a second estate that is now half built, and already the break-ins have started there.

My Bill will mean that rules about basic security will have to be followed by builders just like those already there for safe drinking water or fire precautions.

Saving Money

Most people don't realise that their home burns more fuel than their car. The experts say we could be just as warm as now but cut our bills in half if we had well-insulated homes and efficient heating. That would also cut carbon dioxide gas emissions that cause climate change. It would have a big health impact, too, if more of us lived in cosy homes, with asthma, bronchitis, and heart conditions all reduced - so saving the NHS money as well. With my Bill, that will be easier.

Please keep your fingers crossed as my Bill runs in the Westminster hurdle race!