Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Hunter challenges Secretary of State: "Stop short-changing Stockport"

December 10, 2009 6:25 PM
Mark is speaking up for our area in Parliament

Mark is speaking up for our area in Parliament

People across Stockport are getting a raw deal from the Government because of a "monumental fiddle" costing Stockport council tax payers £3.5 million over the next two years, local MP Mark Hunter told Parliament last night in a House of Commons debate.

Official figures show that Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council will receive £1.752m LESS in 2009/10 and £1.722m LESS in 2010/11 than recommended by the Government's own funding formula. There will also be a shortfall of £0.8m in 2009/10 and £0.66m in 2010/11 in the Supporting People budget, and a further £0.17m shortfall in Housing Subsidy Transitional Protection in 2009/10.

Mr Hunter highlighted Stockport's plight in the debate, and challenged Secretary of State for Local Government John Denham on the Government's apparent lack of concern over adequate funding for Stockport's council services. The Minister said only that 'under a funding formula, at any one time some authorities are above the strict position in the formula and others below it'. He also said that 'there is always a process of flaws and transitional arrangements'. A response which was dismissed by Mr Hunter as 'mealy mouthed'.

Commenting, Mark Hunter MP said:

"I am outraged at the Government's lack of consideration for our area. Stockport is constantly being short-changed by this Government, and local council tax payers are paying the price.

"We all realise times are tough, and accept cuts may have to fall in some areas, but in this case the money is clearly there. The Government are continuing to overpay some councils and under fund others.

"After 12 years of being in Government it's about time Labour stopped cooking the books and put them in order instead."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    markhunter.org.uk/en/article/2009/435904/hunter-challenges-secretary-of-state-stop-short-changing-stockport
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    markhunter.org.uk/a4lT6

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Cheadle constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone