MPs fight for better funding for Stockport

Local Liberal Democrat MPs Lisa Smart and Tom Morrison put the case for better central government funding for Stockport, together with Labour MP Nav Mishra, at a meeting with local government minister Alison McGovern.

Stockport missed out on the increased funding criteria by just 0.01% at the end of 2025, which could lead to millions less coming into Stockport from government unless ministers step in. The MPs made it clear that this was failing to address the Government’s stated aims of making sure that funding was correctly targeted to local needs

Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart said: “While we are lucky to have some great areas across Stockport, we can’t forget that the most deprived neighbourhood in Greater Manchester is also in Stockport. 

“If the Government is genuine about funding addressing critical needs, it doesn’t make sense that their funding formula means that we miss out on funding designed to support areas with genuine deprivation.”

The Government set out a new to local government funding last year, but after its initial proposed settlements were strongly challenged, they fell back on their previous “recovery grant” system, originally introduced as a one-year only patch to top up funding for deprived areas. However, Stockport missed out on this funding by a fraction.”

Cheadle MP Tom Morrison added: “I have seen too many people in my constituency who have been left in the cold by rapidly rising prices, and a lack of support. That is what deprivation is – people who are being left behind.

“We will continue to fight for a fair deal for those residents. Local services make a real difference to them, and they deserve better.”