Stockport Council to save extra £60m in five years

In response to significant reductions in government funding, the Council needs to save an additional £60million in the next five years – £28millon over the next two years.

The Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 4th October and will consider a series of proposals to reduce spending over the next two years. They have created a new series of principles that will shape expectations and decisions about the budget, including:

– The need for the Council to become financially self-sufficient by 2020

– Being open about what service performance standards are acceptable, resourcing accordingly and being clear about the impact

– A focus on inclusion

– Maximising income to protect vital services

– A new approach to joined-up local services

– Design in digital solutions and self-service wherever possible

An inclusive consultation will be coming up, asking partners, residents and service users to have their say on proposed changes in areas such as waste, low emission permits and Council Tax Discount Scheme.

In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to engage with the budget process through their local Scrutiny and Area Committees, where they can comment on what is being proposed – times, dates and locations for these meetings can be found at www.stockport.gov.uk/committees.

Councillor Alex Ganotis, Leader at Stockport Council, said: “We want local people to get involved and take part in the discussions about our budget proposals. There will be lots of opportunities to find out more and for people to have their say on plans for the future.

“Councils across the country are being expected to fund local services through locally raised income. That’s why we will be focusing on growing the Council’s income streams and a major project is identifying future opportunities for growth.

“This commitment involves attracting investment to boost our local economy and bring new jobs, as well as equipping young people with the skills they need to take advantage of that growth by working with businesses to guarantee opportunities for local school leavers.”