My Statement on Local Government Funding for Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council - 22 October 2026

The Stockport Liberal Democrats are quick to criticise the current local government funding settlement, but they must also acknowledge the progress being made in increasing funding for Stockport borough and be honest about their own record. When they were in coalition with the Conservatives for five long, hard years, they helped deliver austerity, cut funding to local councils and privatised public assets. They cannot ignore the role they played in creating the challenges that local government is still working to overcome.

The Labour Government is taking a different approach. Stockport will receive £356.3 million in Core Spending Power in 2026/27, with funding set to increase by £50million, that is 15.6%, between 2024/25 and 2028/29. This is a significant increase, and it is right that the Council acknowledges the additional support being provided by the Government.

Labour is also reforming an outdated funding system that failed to allocate resources fairly according to need. Under Labour's reforms, nine in ten councils will receive funding that broadly reflects their assessed needs, compared with only around a third before. By 2028/29, the most deprived areas will receive 45% more funding per head than the least deprived. These changes represent an important step towards a fairer distribution of public money.

However, recognising the increase in funding does not mean pretending that every pressure has disappeared. The public open letter to Government from the Leader of Stockport Council sets out the financial pressures facing Stockport, and it is right that these concerns are heard and considered. Stockport residents deserve properly funded public services, and I will continue to make the case for a fair settlement for our borough, including at the upcoming budget. The Council and Government should work constructively together to address remaining pressures and secure the best possible outcomes for residents.

It is also important that Stockport Council takes responsibility for its own decisions and how it spends taxpayers' money. While raising concerns about funding pressures, the Liberal Democrat administration has continued to pursue costly legal challenges against housing developments. At a time when almost 10,000 families are waiting for social housing in Stockport, residents deserve a Council that prioritises delivering the homes our borough needs and ensures public money is used effectively.

Labour is increasing funding, changing how it is allocated and working to rebuild public services after years of cuts. The Liberal Democrats should be honest about their record in government and the role they played in austerity. We must recognise the additional funding the Government is providing, but also continue to make the case for a fairer settlement for Stockport and expect the Council to take responsibility for its own choices. These positions are entirely consistent.