'Balance' seems to be the key word in Stockport Town Hall when it comes to the 2024/25 budget. 

At a time of high inflation, energy costs, and increasing demand for services, the council has had to bridge a funding gap of around £11.6m, with "further significant savings needed in the coming years". 

With this in mind, the 2024/25 budget - passed yesterday evening at a town hall meeting - includes a 4.99% council tax rise, reduced green bin collections, introduction of some parking charges, and changes to staffed hours at libraries. 

However, Cllr Jilly Julian, budget lead, said the proposals remained 'ambitious', and council leader Mark Hunter similarly emphasised that Stockport did not face bankruptcy.

As well as some savings, the budget aims to "tackle poverty and inequality", and "support the most disadvantaged residents [...] whilst reducing costs to the council over the medium term."

A Labour amendment to the budget also included a review of Stockport Homes, investment in drain cleaning, and some checks on the proposals for libraries and car parks. 

The amended budget was passed at a town hall meeting on 22 February (Image - Alasdair Perry)

The budget, including the Labour amendment, was passed unanimously by all 61 councillors in the chamber.

Some key points in the budget, then, included:

• An increase in council tax: Council tax will increase for residents by 4.99%, boosting council income by roughly £10m. 
• Library staffing: The council is looking to reduce the need for staff at libraries under the 'Open Plus' scheme - this means libraries can remain open without staff. The Labour amendment recommended that "those areas in most need are penalised the least". 
• Parking charges: The council would look to "introduce charging where viable" in Stockport's free car parks. Speaking to reporter Johnathan Cowden, former Conservative councillor Oliver Jonhstone criticised the move, saying: "Not only could this encourage more parking on the surrounding streets, but it risks hurting our local shops and businesses." Meanwhile, echoing the sentiment of the Labour amendment, Manor council candidate Jon Byrne said: "The council does need to create a balanced budget in the face of real terms cuts; however, they must ensure that any cuts or additional charges are applied to residents in an equitable way."
• Bin collection changes: The cost of replacement bins will increase from £20 to £25, and green bin collections will take place every two weeks. This could save up to £600,000. 
• Holiday activity and food programme (HAF): This programme, which offers food and activities to children in need of support, will continue in 2024/25.
• Drain cleaning: The Labour amendment proposed £160,000 of investment in drain cleaning to alleviate flooding and blockages.
• A review of Stockport Homes: This proposed a review into "how Stockport's housing stock is managed". Cllr David Meller said: "A review isn't something to be fearful of; it's right we look at whether Stockport Homes is delivering". Although supporting the motion, Cllr Mark Hunter said: "The impression has been given this evening that [Stockport Homes] is somehow less worthy. [...] In asking for a review, please don't pre-judge."

How did councillors describe the budget?

Introducing the budget at the council meeting yesterday evening, Cllr Julian said: "We have to set a budget that keeps us in a sustainable financial position. [...]

"We've come to this point with collaboration, a shared purpose - despite our varied politics - and strong scrutiny."

Speaking of the council tax increase, Cllr Julian said: "This is not a choice anyone in this room wants to take. To state what I hope by now is obvious - we have no choice."

Proposing the Labour amendment, Cllr Christine Carrigan said: "We must make difficult decisions. That phrase - difficult decisions - is in fact the only way we can describe the choices we, as elected officials, are having to make. [...]

"The only thing we can do, given these difficult choices, is apply fairness. This amendment seeks to apply that fairness to this budget."

Cllr Jilly Julian (left) and Cllr Christine Carrigan introduced the budget and the amendment respectively (Image - Stockport Council)

Cllr Hunter, leader of Stockport Council, said: "As far as this tough budget process has been concerned, we've ruled nothing out. [...]

"There's lots of things that we're having to do that we wouldn't want to have to do.

"We accept the amendment put forward this evening as a constructive way of developing further dialogue about ways in which the council might be able to improve its performance."

Speaking on the amendment, Labour Group leader Cllr David Meller said: "I've really welcomed the productive and good-natured discussions held with other opposition groups on our proposed amendments. [...]

"Our amendment is about having a council that gets the basics right."

Elsewhere in the chamber, Green Party councillor James Frizzell supported the amendment "not [as] a criticism of Lib Dem budget proposals, but an enhancement of them". 

The Edgeley Community Association, Independent Ratepayers, and Independent councillor Aron Thornley similarly supported proposals.

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