Stockport to Retain Local Assistance Scheme

Stockport Council is to retain the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme – SLAS – following consultation with residents and stakeholders. 

Stockport Council continues to face financial challenges to address a funding gap of £47 million over the next four years and has issued a statement on the future of the Stockport Local Assistance Scheme.  

We have difficult decisions to make when allocating and prioritising public spending whilst trying to protect front line services. The feedback from our communities and partners is important in informing these decisions.

Over the last few months, we have been consulting residents and other stakeholders on the future of our Stockport Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS). The SLAS offers support to meet emergency needs, for example where someone has no food, clothing or gas and electric for the home. Thank you to all those who contributed; this has provided valuable feedback and helped shape decisions about our next steps.

Having carefully listened to the views of our residents, alongside our understanding of how the scheme currently offers support, it is now planned to retain the current SLAS throughout 2019/20 while a wider fundamental review is undertaken of how the needs of individuals and families who encounter crisis are best supported.”

Although Stockport Council is committed to supporting those who are our most vulnerable to achieve the best possible outcomes, they need to ensure that this is being achieved in the most effective and efficient way.

The decision to continue to support Stockport Local Assistance Scheme is designed to allow for time to undertake a thorough review to provide detailed, costed plans on how SMBC can reshape their offer to provide support to those who need it whilst also ensuring that they can operate efficiently, given the ongoing financial challenges the council faces.

Stockport Council will involve communities and partners in the future review and are keen to encourage all those interested to get involved.