On Thursday night, Stockport’s recently installed executive became the first Labour administration to pass a budget through Stockport Council since the formation of the Borough in 1974, 43 years ago.
Passed unanimously by all groups in the chamber, the budget balances the books and avoids job losses despite a further £13m less in funding from central Government for 2017/18. The budget also revealed important resources earmarked for service reform would go to support Adult Social Care.
This has been achieved by a combination of measures including use of surpluses identified in the previous year’s budget, extending Council Tax on empty properties, changes to staff travel allowances and by increasing Council Tax by 4.9%.
Commenting on the budget, Council Leader Alex Ganotis said:
“I am truly pleased to finally see a Labour budget passed for Stockport, and further pleased this was accepted unanimously across the chamber.
“We have put a lot of work into ensuring this budget represents a responsible use of taxpayer’s money, and strikes a balance between making savings and maintaining frontline services and jobs. This also contributes to shoring up Council finances as we prepare to identify over £50 million in savings needed as central government removes support totally by 2020.
“These circumstances have forced us into making the council tax rise we have, which is necessary to maintain services and much-needed investment in Stockport.
“However, this budget has also been led by our priorities as a Labour executive. These mean we have taken seriously the situation in Adult Social care, finding funds to allow care staff breathing space as new models of care are developed for our most vulnerable.
“We will also extend our ambitious capital programme of investing in the economic development of our town, generating jobs and improving our spaces.
“Further to this, this budget sets out our plans for the following years, including more ambitious reforms which can represent both savings and improvements to council services, such as further advancements in Digital services, reducing costs and household waste through promoting recycling, and creating a more sustainable income base through promoting business rate receipts.
“I therefore believe this budget can meet our commitments whilst reflecting our values in the face of severe financial constraints.”
Deputy Leader and Executive member in charge of Adult Social Care, Cllr Wendy Wild added:
“Stockport has had to identify over £90 million in savings since 2010, and will have to identify a further £15 million in 2018/19 due to central government funding cuts.
“In this context, Adult Social Care has faced downward pressure on resources at a time of increasing demand and cost.
“Despite this, this budget places a clear marker as to our priorities as a Labour Executive through the support it gives to the pooled Health and Social Care budget at this crucial time.
“This will be a great help in getting reforms to health and social care right, and ensuring the most vulnerable are not the hardest hit by the decisions we have had to take.”
ENDS