Council to return to a leader and cabinet model of decision making

Cheshire East Council is just a month away from ending its committee system and moving back to a leader and cabinet model of decision making.

The decision, taken at a meeting of full council on 17 September 2025, will take effect from the council’s annual meeting on 13 May 2026.

The move follows the government’s introduction The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill, in July 2025, which includes plans to abolish the committee system, used by a number of councils in England, in autumn 2026.

To avoid confusion part-way through the municipal year, the council has decided to move to the new arrangements at the start of the council year this May.

The council’s decision is a positive and proactive measure to ensure it has effective governance processes in place that enable decisions and improvements to be made at pace.

The move will also streamline current decision-making arrangements and give more time and emphasis to scrutiny.
After the September decision, the council established a task and finish group of councillors to drive forward the necessary new arrangements for decision making.

Under the change, up to 10 cabinet members will have responsibility for policies and decision making in relation to specific areas of council services, such as children and families, or highways and transport. This will streamline decision making and make accountability clearer to the public.

Scrutiny powers for councillors will also be strengthened by the planned changes.

For more information about the coming change, visit our webpage: 

Council composition and decision making

Pictured - Macclesfield Town Hall.