Cheshire East Council has confirmed that it has submitted an ‘ambitious’ plan of transformation to the government, as it looks to achieve financial stability.
The plan was approved last week and will set out how the council plans to reduce spending by around £100 million over the course of the next four years, whilst also identifying areas where financial benefits can be achieved for communities. This will be done through “substantial change” and additional capacity.
Six areas will be the focus of the work, with these bringing between £59 and £91 million into the council, whilst digital projects could support a further £14 million. These areas are:
- Workplace – How the organisation will work in the future
- Social Care – How children and adults with the most need for social care services will be supported
- Place – Transforming the council’s approach to the local economy, maximising assets and reviewing the approach to place-based services
- Early intervention – Prevention and supporting residents to become more self-sufficient, whilst avoiding crisis
- Digital – Digital projects that will benefit the council and its residents through tech
- Special projects – Projects that are connected to the financial and strategic objectives of the council
Leader of the council, Cllr Nick Mannion, said:
“The plan sets out the ambition of how we will radically change over the next four years, spending £100m less, becoming a more cost-effective council. It is not just about reduced spending – it’s about making meaningful impact for those who need our services, while addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, whilst living within our means.
“This will lead to changes in some areas and the council reducing, or even stopping, some services. We simply do not have the money to do everything, everywhere anymore.
“As leader of the council, I recognise that transformation on this scale represents a new and difficult challenge for us. The programme will deliver an ambitious and far-reaching portfolio of transformation programmes and projects that address a range of fundamental issues we face in responding to the changing needs and expectations of residents and communities.
“I absolutely believe that the transformation plan represents a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine the organisation and how we operate. We must listen to and reset the expectations between the council and our residents and modernise council services, at pace.
“We will also use new technology, where appropriate, to ensure the council is more effective and efficient, resulting in enhanced customer care and value for every penny spent.”
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