Stockport Council's 2024/25 budget has finished another important stage in development, as its public consultation period ends.

The council opened a public consultation on 15 November to allow residents to offer feedback on budget proposals - as of yesterday (13 Dec) the consultation is no longer accepting responses.

As Cllr Jilly Julian, cabinet member for finance, said: "This feedback will influence any final decisions on how our savings requirements are achieved."

It comes as the council faces 'significant financial challenges'; the council suggests that problems stem from less government funding, the after-effects of the pandemic, and "periods of severe economic instability, brought on by both national and global events". 

Stockport Council is trying to make savings in the 2024/25 budget (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Stockport Council has an annual budget of approximately £310 million. It is allocated accordingly: 

• Children's and education services - £58m
• Adult social care - £124m
• Public health - £17m
• Cultural, environmental and planning services - £52m
• Highways, roads, and transport services - £33m
• Central services and capital financing costs - £26m

Given rising financial pressures, the council will have to save £10.861m, "with further significant savings needed in the coming years". 

The council needs to balance the budget, then, for 2024/25. Some of the proposed changes include:

• Reducing the need for long-term care, and the corresponding financial strain. To do this, the council plans to "maximise prevention and independence by offering improved information, advice and guidance to individuals which will prevent, reduce or delay the need for long-term care".
• Reviewing transport provided to children with special educational needs
• 'Maximising digital capability'. This will increase the ability of residents to use council services online, to 'make processes more efficient'. 

The council invites general feedback - residents are given the space to provide detailed thoughts, as opposed to a simple questionnaire. 

You can find more details on the proposed budget, and respond to it, HERE. The deadline for responses is 13 December.

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