Cheshire East Council is to set out financial plans for 2024/25 with councillors to vote on the draft budget at the meeting of full council on 27 February.
A council tax rise of 4.99% and a number of changes to services are proposed to balance the books for 2024/25. Increased demand and costs for adult social care and children’s services, especially special educational needs have not been met by increased funding from central government, with cost pressures on the council further driven up by high inflation.
Spending on vital council services in the borough is currently forecast to exceed the 2023/24 budget by £13 million and the net expenditure requirement for 2024/25 is expected to exceed available funding by £11.7 million, with the council planning to take from its reserves to fund the gap.
Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of the corporate policy committee, said:
“We must act swiftly and decisively to manage the financial pressures, build sustainable financial reserves and protect vital services, prioritising those who most need our help.
“We have a good record of responsible financial management. However, the national situation is now affecting even well-run councils.
“I congratulate all those who have worked to achieve this balanced budget. However, work needs to start immediately on ensuring that the council transforms the way it delivers services, to ensure that we have a sustainable future.”
Approval of the council’s budget is a responsibility of the full council. The corporate policy committee met on 13th February to agree a budget to recommend to members at the full council meeting on 27th February.
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