Council reports improved finances and invites residents to help shape future budget

Cheshire East Council has reported an improved financial position for 2025/26 while setting out the challenges it faces in the years ahead.

The final outturn report, considered by cabinet last week (2nd July), shows a net overspend of £18.5m – an improvement of £3.8m compared with earlier forecasts. This has reduced the council’s reliance on Exceptional Financial Support and reflects action taken during the year to manage costs and deliver savings. 

At the same meeting, cabinet also reviewed the council’s longer-term financial plans. While these identify a potential £15m funding gap in 2027/28, this is not a sudden shortfall but a forward-looking estimate. The gap represents just over 3 per cent of the overall budget. 

Cabinet confirmed that the planning assumptions approved in February 2026 remain valid and will continue to underpin budget planning for 2027/28. The council also highlighted that more than £13m of savings are already built into its financial plans. 

Like councils across the country, Cheshire East continues to face rising demand and increasing costs, particularly in children’s services and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Councillor Dawn Clark, cabinet member for finance, legal and enforcement, said:

“We have made real progress in improving our financial position during what has been an extremely challenging year. 

“We have reduced our overspend and our reliance on Exceptional Financial Support, showing that the actions we are taking are making a difference. 

“However, demand is continuing to rise, particularly in children’s services and SEND, and that remains our biggest challenge.” 

The council’s improvement and transformation programme remains central to delivering long-term financial sustainability, alongside continued investment in services and infrastructure. Residents are now being invited to help shape the council’s budget priorities for the coming year as part of a wider programme of engagement. 

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

“Setting a balanced budget in the years ahead will require difficult decisions, but we are taking a realistic and responsible approach. 

“We want to involve residents early so we can better understand what matters most to them as we plan for the future and work to protect the services our communities rely on.” 

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader, added:

“We are being open and transparent about where we are - we have made improvements, but there is more to do. 

“Hearing from residents will be a vital part of building a sustainable financial future and making sure our decisions reflect the needs of communities across Cheshire East.” 

Residents can take part in the budget prioritisation survey by visiting: 

https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/BPS2026  

The survey closes on 2 August.

Anyone who cannot take part online can still take part by: 

• Visiting a local library 
• Visiting the reception desk at Macclesfield Town Hall or Delamere House, Crewe 
• Sharing feedback by email to communityvoices@cheshireeast.gov.uk  
• By post: Community voices, Cheshire East Council, Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL