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Council spells out its budget for the next three years
Alex Scapens20/ 2/2008
STOCKPORT Council has spelt out its three-year ‘vision’ for the borough - and has set the annual rises in council tax at 4.5 percent, 4.25 percent and 4 percent respectively.
In setting a budget plan for financial years 2008/09-2010/11 Council Leader Dave Goddard says £1million a year will be spent on priorities including a greener borough, a thriving Stockport economy and safer communities.
It means that the residents living in Band D properties would pay £1,440.84 as of April, or £1,266.26 without fire and police precepts.
But cuts in other spending areas - such as children and adult services - will hit the most vulnerable hardest, claims Stockport’s Labour Party.
And Les Jones, local Conservative Party Leader in the borough, says it is a case of waiting to see if the balancing act stacks up.
Coun Goddard refutes suggestions the £2.6m savings to balance the books will hit home and says more efficient organisation will account for the lower expenditure.
He told us: "We are trying to send a message to people that we are a stable council and give people a three year vision of how things are going to be in Stockport.
"No one has ever done that before because of uncertainties but I have confidence in my management team.
"Our long term vision is to get city status as we are a city in all but name.
"It would open a whole new world, attract finance and increase prosperity. We want a place that is content with itself, has high employment, low crime and cares for the environment. If you get those building blocks right the rest will follow."
An additional £2.5m will be made available over the next three years .
And Coun Goddard has pledged a rolling public consultation to find out what Stockport residents want most.
But cuts will be made to the tune of £674,000 in adult and health services, £661,000 in children and young people services and £551,000 in transport.
Coun Peter Scott, Stockport Labour Leader, says his party’s budget sets next year’s council tax rise as lower at 4.35 percent. And at the same time he claims only £200,000 and £300,000 would be cut from adult and children's services respectively.
He said: "We would make savings with accountants and lawyers that don't offer a direct service to the public to protect the most vulnerable people."
The total council budget is around £320m. Last year council tax rose in Stockport by 4.75 percent compared to 4.9 percent in Trafford, 2.7 percent in Manchester and 2.7 percent in Tameside.
Coun Jones added: "Looking at the figures it is a case of waiting to see if they are workable, only time will tell.
"We are of course concerned to make sure that the budget balances and make sure that the allocations provide for crucial front line services to Stockport people and matches the aspirations of the borough."
Most recent 2 of 2 user comments
Has anyone else noticed that when "big cities" take over surrounding districts, the surrounding districts always seem to pay more than the "centre"? As an economic migrant in North East Somerset, I certainly have.
24/02/2008 at 10:21
Got an opinion you want to share?| Company | Typical APR |
| Platinum Exclusive Loan | 7.8% |
| AA | 7.9% |
| Sainsbury's Personal Loan | 8.2% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 8.7% |
| Lloyds TSB | 8.9% |
| Abbey Personal Loan | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Savings Account |
4.50% |
|
FIRST DIRECT Everyday e-Saver |
1.75% |
|
SAINSBURYS FINANCE Internet Saver |
2.25% |
Council Tax should be capped below Old Age Pension increases.
Can't afford to do that Stockport Council? Then sack off 4.5% of your incompetent councillors over the next four years. You have too many and they claim some of the highest "expenses" in the country.
You can also reduce your own staffing levels by the same amount every year.
26/02/2008 at 22:01