Stockport council is facing a hefty £40 million repair bill for public buildings. The funds are needed to ensure libraries and leisure centers remain safe and operational.
Stockport: The town hall and other public buildings are in dire need of repairs. A recent report shows they’ve racked up a £40 million bill.
This money is crucial for fixing libraries, leisure centers, and civic buildings. The goal is to keep them open for everyone, including council staff.
There’s a lot to do, like removing asbestos and upgrading heating systems. The council has a five-year plan to tackle these issues, focusing on safety and compliance.
They’re looking to spend £2.6 million this year, with plans to increase that to over £3 million by 2028/29. But they need approval from the cabinet first.
Part of this budget includes £100,000 for roof repairs at the town hall. They also plan to spend £400,000 on a major refurbishment at Broadfields Children’s Home.
The council will finalize its budget in February. However, they’ll only cover priority health and safety issues for now, pushing back minor repairs.
Fixing all the urgent jobs this year would cost over £6 million, according to the report. Council finance chief Jilly Julian said they’re doing their best under financial pressure.
She emphasized the need to prioritize investments where they’re most needed. It’s all about making sure properties are safe for everyone.
Unfortunately, the current financial climate means they have to focus on health and safety first. They’d prefer to do preventative work if they had the resources.
Stockport council has faced tough times lately, with rising service costs and increased demand from residents. They’re looking at a £60 million shortfall by 2028/29.
To cut costs, they’re considering charging for garden waste collection and introducing fees at some free car parks. Budget proposals will be voted on February 27 at the town hall.
