'Significant gap' in council's budget

Cheshire East Council is asking residents what it should prioritise spending on in anticipation of a "significant gap" in its budget next year.

It said that despite signing off a multimillion-pound cost-saving plan over the summer, it is still facing a shortfall of £31.4m for the 2025/26 financial year.

Dawn Clark, chair of the council's finance sub-committee, said it was a "complex situation" and Cheshire East was "exploring every option".

The council was initially anticipating a £41.9m shortfall in its budget, but had managed to close the gap.

The council has asked the government for exceptional financial support for the second year in a row but has not yet used the cash.

The council said its approach this year will include "resizing and reshaping" the budget to protect support for residents most in need, and investing in children's services and adult services.

It also said it would focus on "delivering transformation projects" including fees and charges for services, and looking for other ways to reduce costs or increase income.

Clark said: "By changing how we deliver services, we can better support those most in need. Work already under way through our transformation programme is reducing the forecasted budget gap in the long-term.

"However, we still have a significant financial problem forecast for the next year, due to increased costs, reduced national government funding, and higher demand for our services."

The government announced its funding for local councils earlier this week.

Cheshire East Council said it is currently analysing the details of this to build into its budget setting plans.

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