25th October 2025
Stockport’s Liberal Democrat leadership is facing renewed scrutiny this week after local residents raised questions about a missing £6 million from a past council project — money valued at 2009 prices.
The issue resurfaced following a social media post by Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart, who praised her colleague Tom Morrison for leading a debate in Parliament about local government funding in the North. In her statement, Ms Smart said it was “crucial” that the Government “step up to the plate on social care funding, rather than leaving it for a three-year review to conclude.”
However, when approached by the Romiley Gazette about the whereabouts of the £6 million linked to an earlier Stockport Council scheme, both Ms Smart and Councillor Angela Clark declined to comment. Critics argue that council members have a legal obligation to respond to potential financial irregularities.
The alleged shortfall dates back to a project managed by the then-Liberal Democrat administration. Local campaigners have called for a full public explanation and an independent audit to establish what happened to the funds.
One resident told the Gazette, “It’s not enough to say ‘no comment’. People deserve transparency, especially when public money is involved.”
The Romiley Gazette has contacted Stockport Council for clarification on the matter. At the time of publication, no official response had been received.
The debate in Parliament, led by Mr Morrison, highlighted growing financial pressure on local authorities in the North West, particularly in funding adult social care. Supporters of the MP’s motion said it was a step toward fairer funding settlements for councils, while critics accused the local party of “failing to get its own house in order” first.
The Gazette will continue to follow developments in both the missing funds inquiry and Stockport’s local government funding debate.
