Last week to Have Your Say in Stockport

There is just one week remaining for residents to have their say in Stockport and give their views on a number of proposed changes in areas such as the Apprenticeship Store and its associated services, Children’s Centres, Free School Transport and Information, Advice and Guidance.

The consultations will close on Friday 10th November. Residents can visit www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay to find out further information relating to the proposals and to have their say.

Stockport Apprenticeships Store

The consultations follow the Cabinet meeting which set out savings proposals of £4.15m for service reforms in next year’s budget. However, the Council will also have to address a further £13.85m in reduced funding in 2018/2019.

Beyond 2018/2019, the Council needs to address further reductions in funding of £43m by 2022/2023. In order to protect essential services and the most vulnerable residents across the Borough, the Cabinet has proposed an increase in Council Tax by 4.99% from April 2018.

Of the 4.99% increase, 3% relates to the Adult Social Care Precept. This will help to tackle the increasing costs and reduced resources of adult social care across the Borough. The remaining 1.99% of the increase will ensure the Council can continue to adequately fund other essential frontline services to residents, in light of continued reductions in central government funding.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on our budget proposals, which will change how we work in the future. We are committed to doing what is right for our borough as a whole given the circumstances we face. Getting feedback from residents on our proposals is a key part of that process.

“After seven years of austerity, we have had to seriously consider the options available to us by generating more income. In addition, we are legally required to deliver a balanced budget which means we have had to consider changes to the way our services are delivered and propose service reductions in some areas.

“The Council Tax increase being proposed is to try and mitigate, as far as possible, the impact of further cuts to the Council’s budget – and on the services our residents expect us to provide.”

For more information and to give your views visit www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay

Free internet access is available in local libraries, as well as standpoint machines. Paper copies of the consultation are available on request and at Children’s Centres.

For more information on the Cabinet budget proposals visit www.stockport.gov.uk/executive.