Cheshire East councillors have narrowly approved its budget by 42 to 37 votes, which includes a 4.99% hike in council tax.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and non-grouped councillors – including former Labour member Laura Smith – all voted against the cost-cutting budget at full council.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A panel set up last summer to look at the ‘extreme challenge’ of Cheshire East Council’s whopping £116 million special needs budget deficit has not met once, a councillor said.
Cash-strapped Cheshire East is overspent on its special needs and disability (SEND) budget because the cost of provision has outstripped government funding.
Cheshire East Council still needs to make savings to remain financially sustainable despite the £25.3 million government ‘bailout’, the authority’s finance boss said.
Adele Taylor, interim executive director of resources, issued the warning at Monday’s meeting of the audit and governance committee, in response to a question from Conservative councillor Patrick Redstone.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council looks set to consult residents on cost-cutting proposals for its CCTV provision which could see the service reduced or even axed completely.
The council’s service currently operates on a 24/7 basis, 365 days of the year, including numerous cameras in around Nantwich town centre.
Dear Editor,
Every year, councils are legally required to produce a balanced budget.
Every year we hear a litany of reasons why CEC is sliding further and further into debt.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is facing a funding shortfall of £18.3m for this current financial year and a further £25.3m for 2025-26.
The latest financial forecast is an improvement on previous predictions but still means the council may require use of exceptional financial support (EFS) from the government.
Finding a comfortable and affordable place to live can be a challenge, especially for renters in today’s competitive market.
While charming towns like Nantwich offer a unique blend of history and modern amenities, navigating rental costs requires a well-defined budget.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council says its predicted overspend for this financial year has reduced by £6.5 million.
But it warned that “further urgent action is needed” to bring spending back in line with budget.
Dear Editor,
Labour-led Cheshire East Council is on track to miss its budget targets for a third consecutive year.
This is not only disappointing but also shows of a deep-rooted incompetence within the current administration.
A councillor’s bid to earmark £90,000 for improvements to Brookfield Park in Nantwich next year was voted down.
Cllr John Priest put forward a notice of motion to set aside the funds for improvements to the park’s playground.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East would not balance its books in adult services this year even if it closed all its libraries and leisure centres and didn’t spend a penny fixing roads, a councillor said.
Cllr Andrew Kolker was speaking as the adults and health committee yesterday (Sept 23) discussed the massive financial pressures of social care on the council.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The cost of transporting children to school in Cheshire East is still on the rise, despite attempts by the council to bring it down.
The spiralling cost of school transport is one of the reasons the council is facing a predicted £7m overspend in children’s services at the end of this financial year.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is facing a predicted overspend of £27 million by the end of the financial year because its children’s and adults’ services are failing to operate within budget.
A report to the finance sub-committee revealed the adults and health committee is forecast to be overspent by £20m at the end of March next year.
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