Council in limbo after failing to pass budget

STOCKPORT councillors have failed to pass a budget for the first time in over a quarter of a century.

Proposals by the lead Labour group – which include a 2.75pc council tax increase – were branded ‘petty and meanminded’ and voted down by the town hall’s opposition, in a major upset not seen since 1988.

The authority, which is currently in no overall control but led by Labour, had tasked itself with cutting almost £7m from its budget, a figure that will rise to £47m by 2022.

But during Thursday’s chaotic meeting Mayor Coun Walter Brett adjourned proceedings while councillors considered alternative Liberal Democrat budget amendments.

Lib Dem leader, Mark Hunter, had tabled a list of rival cost-cutting proposals, which included scrapping the meal cabinet members are provided before each meeting, to save £11,000.

He also proposed to reduce the number of cabinet members from seven to five, plus the leader, to save £33,000, as well as investing £250,000 into reviving district centres.

He argued of Labour’s proposals: “Some of the budget’s content is misguided, in particular, the proposal to axe the town centre shuttle bus – and free bus passes for children who travel to faith schools.

“This is a petty and mean-minded approach.”

In response, Labour’s Elise Wilson rubbished the amendment because it ‘lacked any detail.’

Council leader Coun Ganotis, who is stepping down in May, labelled it ‘hypocritical and ignorant.’

“It’s you that has been kicking the can down the road and have dodged the difficult issues that we have faced with this budget,” he argued.

“Every difficult decision we have made it is clear that the Lib Dems oppose because they just don’t want to make uncomfortable decisions.

“We engaged very well on the future of the shuttle bus - and all the documents prove that.

“It is a difficult decision and some will miss out but it won’t reduce the vitality of the town centre.”

As part of the council’s budget savings proposals, town hall chiefs plan to axe the free Metroshuttle bus set up to help shoppers get around - to save the cash-strapped authority £250,000. In addition, the council plans to scrap 374 free bus passes for those attending faith schools.

Meanwhile, overheads for new taxi drivers and animal welfare operators will soar as proposals to increase licence fees have also been tabled.

Ultimately Labour’s budget was defeated by 32 to 28, however, after the Lib Dem and Conservative groups both voted against it. The alternative Lib Dem amendment was also voted down.

As a result an additional budget-setting meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 26 at 6pm after the Express went to print.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Ganotis said he was ‘disappointed’ other groups chose not to support the budget.

“However, Labour will work with all parties on a way forward between now, up to and including Tuesday’s meeting,” he added.

“Our door remains open as it always has, and any proposals we will be considered in light of the best interests of Stockport residents.”