11th August 2025
ROMILEY GAZETTE – SPECIAL REPORT
The £6 Million Question: Still No Answers
A long-running question about a possible £6 million discrepancy in public finances — dating back to 2009 prices — continues to go unanswered in local government circles.
The matter has been repeatedly raised since 2014 by concerned Stockport residents, who say the sum has never been satisfactorily accounted for. Requests for clarification, including formal Freedom of Information submissions, have been met with refusals. Officials have labelled further questions on the topic as “vexatious.”
In a recent Werneth Area Committee meeting, The Romiley Gazette Editor put the question directly to Councillor Lisa Smart (now MP) and Councillor Angela Clark. Liberal Democrat members, despite a legal duty to address possible financial irregularities, responded with “No comment.” The exchange was captured on video.
Critics say that such responses undermine public trust and transparency, especially when elected representatives are obliged to safeguard taxpayers’ money and ensure proper investigation of credible concerns.
Under current rules, councillors remain in post unless they resign, are voted out, or are formally disqualified following an investigation. Responsibility for investigating such claims rests with the council’s Monitoring Officer, external auditors, and in serious cases, the police or Action Fraud.
The question remains: if £6 million is missing, who will account for it — and when?
