Council Pre-Budget Consultation Report 2019-2022

Cheshire East Council has published its Pre-Budget Consultation Report for 2019 to 2022.

Set against a backdrop of increasing demand and rising costs, the report sets out proposals on the council’s financial plans as to how services will be delivered for the period from April 1 2019 through to March 31 2020.

Along with almost every other local authority, Cheshire East is facing a particularly challenging financial position, with the reduction of central government funding, to balance the position for the next three years.

The council is inviting the opinions and views from residents, businesses, councillors, staff, town and parish councils, local community groups and other stakeholders. The feedback received will be used to inform the budget-setting process.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for finance and communications, said: “In response to the difficult ongoing national funding situation and demographic change, the council is firmly committed to protecting the delivery of essential frontline services for children and families, adult social care and for our most vulnerable residents.

“But we must also look at our priorities and where we can make savings and operate more efficiently. This might mean that some existing services provided will be reduced or delivered in a different way in the future.

“We are fortunate here in Cheshire East that the local economy is strong and growing. We have to ensure communities feel the benefit of that economic growth for the longer term and that is why we are working for a brighter future together with our residents and partners.”

To have your say, go to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/budget

The consultation runs until 14 December and findings will be considered before the final budget is agreed by full council on 21 February 2019.