Stockport Council begins consultation on 2024/25 budget proposals

Stockport Council is asking borough residents about its proposals for the 2024/25 financial year in a consultation on its budget.

In order to balance the budget and address its current income shortfall, the Council is developing several savings proposals which will change how it delivers some services. Through council tax, business rates and a settlement from central government, Stockport Council has an annual budget of £310 million with which to provide over 800 services to support residents, local business and visitors; however, the borough continues to see rising demand for services on top of increased costs due to high inflation.

Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, said:

“Like many councils across the country, we face significant financial challenges, especially in the current climate of reduced government funding, the rising cost of social care for vulnerable children and adults and the continuing recovery from the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

“There are difficult decisions and changes to services to be made to achieve the budget savings needed to deliver a balanced budget.

“These proposals will allow us to continue making Stockport a place where residents, businesses, organisations and communities continue to thrive together. However, no final decision has been made and it is essential that as many people as possible have their say during this consultation, as this feedback will influence any final decisions on how our savings requirements are achieved.”

Residents and other stakeholders in the borough can view and have their say on the Council’s budget proposals via an online consultation portal. Physical copies are available at libraries across the borough, with alternative formats, such as large print versions, available via email request.

This consultation period runs until 13 December 2023.

Following the consultation period, responses will be used to develop the proposals. The final results will be scrutinised and presented at a council meeting in February 2024, where Councillors will confirm the budget for the next financial year.