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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Head of Service – Social Care

St Helena
£60k pa plus International Supplement
Enjoying unique lifestyle opportunities, St Helena Island is a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (SH)
Recuriter: St Helena

Health and Social Care Trainer - North Essex

Essex County Council
£29468.0000 - £34668.0000 per annum
Health and Social Care Trainer - North EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Recruitment Training and Support Officer (Fostering)Permanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - English

Essex County Council
Up to £34668.0000 per annum
Vocational Trainer - EnglishPermanent, Part Time£34,668 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner