On 26 February 2026, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council approved its 2026/27 budget, which includes a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax for residents in Greater Manchester. This decision aims to balance the local budget while protecting services for vulnerable children and adults during a period of financial pressure.
The total council tax hike is made up of a 2.99 per cent general increase and a 2 per cent extra charge specifically for adult social care. This change comes as the council works to find £20 million in savings to manage its £350 million total budget for the coming year.
To help reach these savings targets, the council plans to increase parking charges in the town centre to raise £500,000 and may also reduce the number of staff it employs. Around 75 per cent of the council’s total spending is now used to support essential services for residents who need care and support.
Alongside the new budget, the Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation received approval from Parliament on 23 February 2026 to expand its work. This project aims to build 8,000 new homes in the town centre by the year 2040 as part of a long-term plan to improve the area.
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