29th August 2026
Stockport’s own Code says that the Council’s governance framework is intended to ensure that it:
- operates in a lawful, open, inclusive and honest manner;
- safeguards and properly accounts for public money;
- uses resources economically, efficiently and effectively;
- manages risk effectively; and
- continually improves how it operates.
- Stockport’s Code places considerable emphasis on openness and accountability. Its own description of governance says that governance is about doing things “in the right way” and being open, honest and accountable.
- The Council’s governance system isn’t simply about whether an officer believed something was permissible. It is supposed to provide assurance and demonstrable accountability.
- Stockport’s Audit Committee arrangements, for example, include evaluating the adequacy of application of the Local Code, monitoring governance issues, and overseeing arrangements for dealing with suspected wrongdoing.
- Stockport’s governance arrangements expressly require effective management of risk. Its external auditor has described the Council’s governance system as including risk management, internal control and corporate risk oversight.
