Ellie Ames 16 August 2024

Cheshire East sets out plan to tackle £100m deficit

Cheshire East sets out plan to tackle £100m deficit image
Image: Natee Meepian / Shutterstock.com

Plans to address a £100m budget gap over four years will be considered by Cheshire East councillors next week.

Potential savings of £59m-£91m have been identified, the local authority said, amid ‘the most challenging set of circumstances’ it has faced since its formation in 2009.

A draft transformation plan must be sent to the Government this month for the council to receive exceptional financial support.

A report to councillors says: ‘The current financial situation of the council means it has no option but to transform the way it delivers services.’

Proposals include reducing high staff absence and the use of agency workers; an overhaul of care provider commissioning; and ‘reunification’ of children with families to cut care costs.

The council also plans to introduce automatic number plate recognition to generate income from traffic violations; ‘remodel’ library provision; and make changes to waste services, such as by moving to three-weekly waste collections.

Planned digital projects could save an additional £14m, the council said.

Cheshire East said the transformation plan linked to its other improvement work, particularly in children’s services, for which it recently received an improvement notice.

In July, the council's former leader resigned after a report raised serious financial concerns.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Integrated Front Door Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
Be part of a service that makes a real difference to children and families at the earliest stage of support! Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

SEND Caseworker

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
We’re on a meaningful journey in Children’s Social Care and we’d love for you to be part of it. Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916 - £51,048 MPS1 - UPS3
WHAT IS INVOLVED?  The team at Aycliffe Secure Centre provide a caring, trauma informed and aspirational environment for young people aged between 10 Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist

Durham County Council
Grade 8, £33,673 - £37,563 pro rata per annum
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled and enthusiastic SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our highly regarded Portage T Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £48,738 - £53,051
Are you an experienced children and families social worker ready to progress your career and step into a management role?   Are you passionate about w Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner