Get to know Stephen Conway – Leader of Wokingham Borough Council and ward councillor for Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst.

I interviewed Stephen to learn more about him and specifically his interest in supporting young adults. Especially in relation to what difference we can make locally, when our media is saturated with massive political conflict and the emerging housing and cost of living crisis.

Many young people feel overwhelmed with the volume of media reporting on devastating global conflict, feeling guilty and powerless alongside job-hunting, student debt and healthy lifestyle. Stephen wants to help young people and the housing situation in Wokingham by focusing on building houses at a below market price, working towards prices that  first time buyers can afford, alongside the supporting infrastructure for young and growing families. The Government sets housing targets, and Wokingham Borough Council works with developers to determine which land is suitable and accessible, progressing plans with future families needs in mind.

89% of UK adults say cost of living is one of the most important issues facing the country.

“Access to nutritious food has decreased, exacerbating health disparities among young people and their families, particularly those with limited financial resources. The soaring cost of healthier food options, which are often twice as expensive per calorie compared with unhealthier alternatives, forces young people and their families to make unhealthy choices and can result in long-term health consequences.”

“Current state benefits are not sufficient to cover the cost of life’s essentials. Moreover, claimants under 25 receive a lower Universal Credit entitlement, despite facing comparable living expenses when living independently. This discrepancy disregards the financial realities faced by young people who are responsible for their own upkeep.”

“Cost of Living Payments have been issued as a blanket sum by the government and fail to account for variations in household income or level of need. This one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the unique challenges faced by young people and their families, especially young people from marginalised communities, who are disproportionately impacted by the rising cost of living.”

Read more here: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmyouth/cost-living-crisis-young-people/report.html

He also works to support the partnership between Wokingham Borough Council and the University of Reading, using their research and innovation to help grow the Local Plan.

I asked Stephen about the concerns that suggest overdevelopment in Wokingham has changed its character and instead of bringing people in its kept people away, to which he explained that development is necessary for a growing community, but it requires long-term thinking, especially when considering younger generations. The risk of upsetting some people with short term inconveniences is something his is aware of and it is the councils job to mitigate the impact of development, but he believes these changes to Wokingham will better its future.

First-time buyers pay on average £395,000, showing how difficult entry into the market is.

Read more here : https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E06000041

There is also worries that the quantity of new housing will not be well supported by the existing infrastructure, such as doctors surgeries, schools, public transport and  rubbish collection. To which he admits there is a limit to what jurisdiction Wokingham Borough Council has over things like NHS services and limited control over public transport as they rely largely on partnership with commercial operators. However these concerns are at the forefront of discussions and support will continue to be advocated for. In terms of Schools, waste disposal and flood prevention these are delegated to the developers under the recommendation of the council and will be incorporated appropriately.

Wokingham’s population has grown to around 177,500–187,000 people, increasing by 15–20% over the last decade.

The borough is projected to continue growing, potentially reaching 200,000+ by 2031.

https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/council-and-meetings/open-data-and-transparency/council-plan/our-borough

As leader of the Liberal Democrat party his core belief is that everyone should have the opportunity to find their potential, with a large focus on values as a borough and less about the minutia and promotion of particular policies.

When asked about the gap in understanding the structure of political parties and government in young people, Stephen acknowledged it as one of the biggest issues Wokingham Borough Council and other boroughs are facing. The lack of education on local and country wide political for young people limits their interaction with policies and the ability to present their best interests, with voters continuing to be mostly in a 40+ demographic. But Stephen continues to support and encourage young people to vote and also join opportunities like the Wokingham Youth Council, supported through local sixth forms and help in the council chambers, where each party is represented on a panel to answer questions.

He has also been involved in work experience programmes with Wokingham Council offices previously and wants to revive these opportunities to excite future council members in what action they are capable of. He also understands the importance of social media and marketing campaigns for parties and local development has hugely influential powers and believes this is a great channel to pursue younger voters and help spread policy awareness. Alongside careers in politics, there are many charities aligned with the council where residents can volunteer and contribute locally. At a time when global issues can feel overwhelming, Stephen encourages people to focus on what’s within reach, making a difference one step at a time.