Although we’re all hoping not, I’m told this evening’s Full Council meetings at Stockport Town Hall could go on to 2am.

First we’ve got the meeting to consider whether a proposed City Region is right for Stockport and for Greater Manchester.  This would create a new body, on which the leaders of the ten Greater Manchester authorities would sit.  It would deal with transport (replacing the current Independent Transport Authority) and take on some roles around economic development of the region.

I’ve written more about it here, and there are several good comments too.

Next there’s the meeting to set the budget.  The Lib Dems are taking what I firmly believe to be a responsible approach.  We’ve found ways to cut Council spending that won’t impact on front-line services and so are proposing a reduced rise to 3.25%, which is a good deal lower than in recent years.

Despite being a low-spending authority, Stockport receives less money from central Government than most, and the difference has to be made up with Council Tax, so it’s always a tough decision.

I believe we’ve got the balance about right.  The Lib Dem proposals protect services, are the result of spending cuts within the council and come in at under the rate of inflation.

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