Why fair funding matters
For more than a decade, government funding for councils has been decreasing in real terms. Costs have risen, demand for services has grown, and like councils across the country, Stockport is feeling the pressure. But unlike many similar areas, we receive significantly less government funding.
This year, our funding increase is:
- 4.95% below the metropolitan borough average
- 3.11% below the England average
The government says our funding will rise in the coming years, but that increase assumes higher Council Tax rather than new money coming into Stockport. Even then, it is well below what similar councils are receiving. Stockport misses out on funding streams that many other councils benefit from, despite facing similar pressures.
What the national settlement means for Stockport
Stockport’s funding will rise by around 3.03% in 2026/27 and 7.53% by 2028/29, compared to a metropolitan borough councils average increase of 7.98% and 19.8% by 2028/29, and an England average of 6.14% in 2026/27 and 15.52% by 2028/29.
| Increase | Stockport Council | Metropolitan borough councils average | England average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 3.03% | 7.98% | 6.14% |
| 2028 to 2029 | 7.53% | 19.8% | 15.52% |
However, this figure is based on assumed increases in Council Tax rather than representing new funding provided directly to the borough. Even with these assumed increases, the overall level of funding available to us remains below that received by many comparable councils.
The majority of our budget is spent on statutory services that the council is legally required to provide, including care and support for vulnerable adults and children. This significantly limits how much funding we can redirect to wider neighbourhood services and improvement programmes, particularly when overall funding does not keep pace with demand and inflation.
If Stockport received the same per‑resident funding as comparable councils, we would have between £46m and £52m more to support local services. That gap has real consequences for what we can deliver.
Even with less funding, we continue to invest in the essential, everyday services residents rely on:
- £6m on maintaining highways
- £4.4m on maintaining our greenspaces
- £3.8m on street lighting
- £2.6m on libraries
But most of our budget (over 75%) goes towards supporting vulnerable children, adults and families. These services are statutory, often high‑cost, and demand continues to increase every year.
Children’s social care, SEND support and adult social care are some of the most important services we provide. Protecting them remains our priority.
Council Tax
To maintain essential services, Council Tax will increase by 4.99%, which is around £1.99 a week for a Band D property. Across Greater Manchester, all councils are applying similar increases because national funding assumes they will.
Band D households will also see increases to the mayoral precepts for police, fire services and the GMCA.
Managing the pressure responsibly
We’ve worked hard to reduce costs without impacting frontline services. This year we’ve delivered £8.037m in savings, including over £6.5m achieved through efficiencies, digital improvements and better contract management.
We’re making every pound work harder, and we will continue to argue for a funding system that properly reflects the realities of running services in Stockport.
Why we can still invest in local projects
Residents often ask why we can move ahead with projects like Marple Hub, the A34, cycling schemes, Cheadle Eco Park or town centre regeneration while facing budget pressures.
These projects are funded separately from day‑to‑day services. They rely on:
- specific grants
- partner funding
- private investment
- borrowing legally restricted to capital projects
This means the funding can’t legally be used for social care, waste collection or frontline services.
Support if you need it
We know many households are still feeling the strain. Support remains available through our cost of living support offer.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges, Stockport continues to deliver a stable, responsible and forward‑looking budget. We’ll keep prioritising the services that protect our most vulnerable residents, investing in the future of the borough, and pushing for fairer funding for our communities.