Residents living in an average band D property are set to pay £1,449.44 for Council services following last night’s Budget Council meeting (3 March).
At the meeting Stockport Council set its budget for the financial year 2016-17, including a 3.75% increase in the Council-controlled element of the Council Tax or an extra £1.00 per week for an average band D property.
Of the 3.75% increase, 2% is a result of a new option that was created by the Government last November to help tackle the increasing costs of adult social care. The remaining 1.75% of the rise is to make up for government financial support to the Council being reduced more significantly than anticipated.
Overall, when taking account of the Greater Manchester Police and Fire and Rescue precepts, which the Council does not set but has to collect, the Band D Council Tax is £1,665.52, or an extra £1.12 per week.
Councillor Sue Derbyshire, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “The aspirations of residents, families and children continue to be at the forefront of our decision making when deciding upon our budget for 2016/17, so we’ve continued to focus on our key principles which include protection for the most vulnerable members of our society whilst building and supporting independence for individuals and communities.
“We’re building this and future years’ spending plans on delivering value for money against a background of ever increasing pressure on our resources. This means we’ll need to continue to find more savings in future years and we’re focussed on ensuring that everything we do as a Council and with partners meets the objectives we’ve set ourselves.
“I understand that the headline for many people at this moment in time is the coming Council Tax rise, but as a borough we also have a lot to look forward too over the coming months and years, particularly our ‘Investing in Stockport’ programme, which confirms our commitment along with our partners in making Stockport an even better place to live, work and visit.”
Cllr Derbyshire added: “In response to significant reductions in government funding, our ‘Investing in Stockport’ programme involves all public agencies working together in new ways with the people and businesses of the Borough to maximise resources.
“So, over the next year you can expect to be greeted with the completion of Stockport Exchange, which will see a new hotel and five-storey office building built near Stockport Train Station, new investment in affordable housing, regeneration work in Brinnington whilst developments such as Redrock Stockport and the SEMMMS A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road continue to gather pace.
“So, while there are unfortunately even more challenges ahead, there are also many things to look forward to as we continue to be a strong, resilient borough, providing really good public services, in collaboration with our partners, for all our residents.”
The Council Tax charge in 2016/17, including the Greater Manchester Police and Fire and Rescue Precepts are:
- Band A: £1,110.34
- Band B: £1,295.39
- Band C: £1,480.45
- Band D: £1,665.52
- Band E: £2,035.64
- Band F: £2,405.75
- Band G: £2,775.86
- Band H: £3,331.04
For more information please visit www.stockport.gov.uk/counciltax