After an at times heated debate at Stockport Town Hall, the Council finally voted to adopt the Liberal Democrat budget for the next financial year by 32 votes to 27, with the three Green Party councillors also supporting the proposals.
Labour failed to put forward an alternative budget or even an amendment to the proposals but voted against the entire budget.
Despite the difficulties in trying to protect services, the Council is required to find £20million of savings for the coming year as a direct result of underfunding by successive governments.
It is a legal requirement for each local authority to pass a balanced budget. This year a record thirty councils have requested emergency support from central government to do so, which they will ultimately have to pay back.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hunter, said:-
“I’m disappointed but not altogether surprised by the lack of support from government, and this has led to us having to take some very tough decisions. We have simply been faced with a whole series of unpalatable options, but our priorities remain protecting the vulnerable, defending demand led services such as Adults and Children’s social care and ensuring front line services are properly funded.
“Despite all the difficulties, we are up for the challenge. Stockport has an indomitable, can-do spirit, and it is that spirit and determination that will see us through these tough times.
“I remain positive and ambitious for Stockport and all our residents and, by working together in partnership, we have proved we are a borough on the up. Much has been achieved already, but the best is yet to come!”.
Cabinet Member for Finances, Jilly Julian said,
“There were incredibly difficult decisions that needed to be made in this budget. None of us entered local politics to make such tough choices, but the financial climate means that we must take these types of decisions must be made if we want to keep Stockport moving forward.
“There are cautionary tales in every corner of the country, in recent times we’ve seen more councils than ever before declaring bankruptcy, or applying to government for emergency financial support. To be clear, this means asset stripping the borough, and slashing funding for any sort of non-statutory community work. They are options we simply will not consider in Stockport.”
