Cheshire East Council sets out transformation vision

Cheshire East Council aims to build on a successful first year of its ambitious transformation plan.

The plan is aimed at reshaping the council to better serve residents and communities. Its end of year report (2024-2025) highlights some of the achievements so far and sets the stage for continued progress in the coming years. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said:

“This report marks the end of a pivotal year for Cheshire East Council. Despite facing sustained financial pressures and external scrutiny, we have laid strong foundations for future growth and improvement.  

“Our transformation journey has started well – delivering savings, new tools, structures and disciplines that will support deeper reform across the organisation.  

“We enter the next phase of delivery now with clarity, energy and a renewed commitment to delivering the services people need in Cheshire East.” 

Key highlights from the report include showcasing the transformation journey and how the council has been able to: 

• Reset In 2024, the council assessed its strengths, weaknesses, and funding pressures, leading to the development of a comprehensive transformation plan.
• Reimagine Engaging with members, staff, and partners, the council reimagined its operating model, developed the Cheshire East Plan 2025-2029 and set a balanced budget and four-year financial plan.
• Reshape The council realigned its transformation plan to match the new operating model, focusing on delivering improved services and financial sustainability. It will now focus on delivery of its plans.  

The council has also achieved some early benefits: 

• Resident and community benefits: Projects like the ‘Right Child, Right Home’ have seen £2.18m in savings and better outcomes for young people leading to increased independence. The digital customer projects are already delivering positive outcomes for residents, with AI technology coming soon to help customers to find information quickly and easily when phoning up or on the council website.
• Financial benefits: The transformation plan identified up to £91m in savings and income, with significant financial benefits expected in the current financial year. It has also started to realise savings and new income, including arrangements to generate around £1m in new income for the next financial year and over £2m in avoided social care placement costs.
• Environmental benefits: Projects such as how the council manages its vehicles and waste reduction are contributing to a more sustainable future.  

Michael Gorman, deputy leader, of Cheshire East Council, said:

“Although still in the early stages, the transformation plan and its projects have already started to have positive outcomes. We've developed a new operating model, set a balanced budget, and strengthened governance structures, reducing reliance on external transformation delivery partners.  

“This significant transformation programme will reshape the council to enable prosperity and wellbeing for all, delivering our Cheshire East Plan and addressing the need for improvements across the borough.” 

Rob Polkinghorne, chief executive, said:

“Cheshire East Council has faced unprecedented challenges head-on, transforming adversity into opportunity. We have made remarkable strides over the last year, laying the building blocks for delivering better outcomes for residents.  

“Our journey is far from over, and we must deliver the plans we have in place. The future of Cheshire East is bright and full of promise – driven by our shared commitment to enhancing the lives of our residents." 

More details on the council’s achievements and progress so far here:

The transformation end of year report (PDF, 3MB) 

You can read more about the transformation plan and its programmes here:

transformation hub.