Agenda and minutes

View the Meeting Recording Section 1

View the Meeting Recording Section 2

To note any apologies for absence from Members.

Apologies were received from Councillors T Dean and C O’Leary. Councillors S Adams and L Wardlaw were present as substitutes.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declerations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 November 2025.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

In accordance with paragraph 2.24 of the Committee Procedure Rules and Appendix on Public Speaking, set out in the Constitution, a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to put questions to the Committee on any matter relating to this agenda. Each member of the public will be allowed up to two minutes to speak; the Chair will have discretion to vary this where they consider it appropriate.

Members of the public wishing to speak are required to provide notice of this at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

Petitions - To receive any petitions which have met the criteria - Petitions Scheme Criteria, and falls within the remit of the Committee. Petition organisers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak.

Ms S Helliwell addressed the committee in relation to agenda items 7 (Section 25 Statement of the S151 Officer) and 8 (MTFS). Ms Helliwell asked a number of questions in relation to financial position of the council, as summarised below:

1. Central government had refused the council’s request to increase council tax above the referendum limit. Ms Helliwell asked if the council would now need to borrow £30m for 2026-27 to cover day-to-day costs.
2. Residents feared that the Transport Plan had not worked and were concerned that cuts would be made to non-statutory services. Ms Helliwell asked what cuts would be made and when.
3. Ms Helliwell asked if the council would issue communications to residents on its current position.
4. Finally, Ms Helliwell asked if central Government would need to intervene in the running of the council.

To consider the report in relation to the Council’s decision-making arrangements.

The committee considered the report detailing the constitutional and procedural arrangements required for the council’s transition to a Leader and Cabinet governance model from May 2026.

The committee noted the suite of documents recommended for adoption, including executive role descriptions, access to information rules, the definition of key decisions, financial and contract procedure rules, and updated terms of reference for several boards and committees. In proposing the recommendations, Councillor Gorman (Chair of the Task and Finish Group) highlighted the extensive work of the Task and Finish Group in developing the proposals which provided a good and firm foundation for effective, transparent, and accountable decision?making under the new governance model. Councillor Gorman thanked both officers and Members of the Task and Finish Group for their time and contribution.

A minor change to the Corporate Parenting Board terms of reference was highlighted which proposed that the membership of the Board be expanded from one elected member to three (one Member from each political group). It was noted that the Board would discharge executive functions, and therefore the membership would be ultimately determined by the Executive Director of Children’s Services. It was proposed that the Corporate Policy Committee recommended this approach to Council for the Executive Director, the Board Chair, and Co-Chair to consider. 

It was further noted that the arrangements would be subject to review in autumn 2026.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee recommends that Full Council, that it:

1.    Note, agree and adopt the following procedural rules and other constitutional documents, provisions and recommendations, as are appended and referred to in the report; these, (with the exception of Appendices 11 and 12 which will take effect immediately), to take effect at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 13 May 2026:

a.    Appendix 1: Recommendations arising from the deliberations of the T&F Group

b.    Appendix 2: Role Descriptions relating to executive arrangements

c.     Appendix 3: Summary and Explanation of executive arrangements

d.    Appendix 4: Access to Information Procedure Rules

e.    Appendix 5: Key Decision definition and related provisions

f.      Appendix 6: Constitution Committee appointment, and Member training and development

g.    Appendix 7: Reviewed Health and Wellbeing Board terms of reference

h.    Appendix 8: Corporate Parenting Board terms of reference and membership arrangements, with a recommendation from Council that the membership be extended to three members (one from each political group)

i.      Appendix 9: Reviewed Finance and Contract Procedure Rules

j.      Appendix 10: Public Rights of Way, Commons and Town and Village Green Decision-Making

k.     Appendix 11: Proposed changes to planning committee functions

l.      Appendix 12: Agency workers and contractors - use of the Comensura (temporary staffing) resource system.

2.    Note that, at its meeting on 10 December 2025, the Monitoring Officer was authorised, in consultation with the Council’s political group leaders, to make such general and consequential changes to the Council’s Constitution:

a.    as he deems are necessary to give effect to the wishes of Council; or

b.    as he deems to become necessary at short notice,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.

To consider the draft calendar of meetings 2026-27.

The committee considered the draft calendar of meetings for the 2026–2027 municipal year. The committee noted that the draft calendar had been prepared to reflect the governance transition to a Leader and Cabinet model from May 2026 and incorporated meeting cycles for Council, Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs), Planning Committees, and other statutory and regulatory bodies. In presenting the report it was clarified that the number of OSCs would increase from three to four meetings, with the fourth meeting being scheduled for March/April. Additional meetings for any committee could be scheduled as required.

The committee discussed the importance and frequency of the OSC meetings, particularly the Children’s OSC. An amendment was proposed (by Cllr Saunders) that the number of meetings for the Children’s OSC be increased to six for the 2026-27 municipal year, in light of the significant challenges facing the service. The amendment was seconded (by Cllr Gardiner), debated and voted upon. The amendment was not carried.

The committee was assured that the Task and Finish Group would continue to meet until Full Council in May, and that consideration would continue to be given to the remit of each OSCs, the responsibilities of Portfolio Holders, and the impact this may have on meeting frequency and workload of the OSCs.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee recommend that Full Council

1. Approves the draft calendar of meetings for Cheshire East Council for the municipal year 2026-2027, subject to the number of OSC increasing to four meetings.

2. That each committee determine whether their committee meetings during the 2026-2027 municipal year should include twilight meetings.

To consider the Section 25 Statement.

The committee considered the statutory Section 25 Statement, in which the Section 151 Officer provided independent professional advice on the robustness of the Council’s 2026/27 budget estimates and the adequacy of reserves.

The committee noted that the S151 officer concluded the budget could be regarded as robust only if key conditions for success were met, including strengthened programme management, clear delivery plans, and sustained accountability for financial performance. The Statement highlighted that the level of reserves remained insufficient for an organisation of the council’s scale and complexity and that continued reliance on Exceptional Financial Support was not a sustainable long?term position.

The committee noted the risks identified, including demand pressures in social care, delivery of transformation savings, and the Dedicated Schools Grant deficit.

The committee noted that the Best Value Notice issued by MHCLG in May 2025 remained in place and would be reviewed in May 2026.

RESOLVED:

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1. Note the Section 25 Statement and acknowledges the independent professional opinion of the Chief Financial Officer (s151 Officer) with regards the robustness of the 2026/27 budget estimates and the adequacy of reserves.

To consider a report on the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

The committee considered the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2029/30, including the proposed balanced budget for 2026/27 and the accompanying capital programme, reserves strategy, and treasury management documents.

The committee noted that the council continued to face significant financial pressures, with a forecasted budget gap of £30.44m for 2026/27 and ongoing risk from inflation, increased demand in social care and SEND, and low levels of reserves. The MTFS set out a combination of savings proposals, income generation, transformation activity and use of Exceptional Financial Support (subject to government approval) to achieve a legally balanced budget. The committee also noted the outcome of the public budget consultation and the restructured transformation programme.

The committee referred to the information contained within the addendum report following publication of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement on 9 February 2026. The committee noted that the council had not been granted flexibility to raise Council Tax above the referendum limit, and discussions with Government on Exceptional Financial Support through a capitalisation directive was continuing. The Final Settlement also confirmed that 90% of the council’s High Needs DSG deficit up to 2025/26, equating to approximately £130m, would be met through the national High Needs Stability Grant, resulting in savings of £2.723m in 2026/27 and £5.265m in 2027/28. In addition, the council would receive a small increase in Core Spending Power, including £0.278m through consolidated grants. Overall, the changes resulted in an improved 2026/27 budget position of £3.001m. 

The committee noted that in order to be eligible for the 90% write-off funding, the council needed to prepare its SEND Reform Plan which would be approved by the Department for Education (DfE). Assurance was provided that this was in hand with the Strategy and Reform Plans prepared against the seven pillars of SEND reform published by the DfE. A maturity assessment of the service had also been prepared. All plans had been shared with, and received positive feedback, from the Regional Group of the DfE.

The committee noted that, as part of the Funding Review, there would be a full reset of the Business Rates Retention System in 2026/27. It was noted that the 50% of the net rates collected would be paid to the Government with 49% being retained specifically to support Council services. 1% was paid to the Fire Authority. The committee requested a more detailed briefing on Business Rates Retention. Officers committed to providing a written response.

RESOLVED (by majority):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1.    Note that the Council’s Finance Procedure Rules remain unchanged and will always apply to ensure proper approval should any changes in spending requirements be identified (Appendix A, Annex 9 of the report).

2.    Note the summary results of the Budget Engagement exercise undertaken by the Council, as set out in Appendix B of the report.

3.    Recommend to Full Council an increase in Council Tax as one of the tools to set a balanced budget if granted the ability to raise Council Tax above the current referendum thresholds  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To consider a report on the Pay Policy Statement.

The committee considered the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. The Statement set out the council’s approach to pay, including the remuneration of Chief Officers, and ensured compliance with the Local Government Transparency Code.

The committee noted the updates to the pay and grading structure from April 2026 and that national pay awards for NJC, JNC and Chief Officers were still subject to negotiation. It was confirmed that there were no direct financial or equality implications arising from the approval of the Statement.

Reference was made to the Workers Right Bill and the mechanisms in place to amend the Pay Policy Statement if needed. Officers confirmed that any amendments to the Statement could be done and recommended to Full Council at any point for consideration as necessary.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1.    Recommend to Full Council approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026-27.

2.    Note the changes to the Pay Policy Statement as outlined in the report.

To consider the Work Programme and determine any required amendments.

The committee considered the Work Programme, the following was noted:

-       Adlington New Town Update: it was confirmed that, as agreed at the last Full Council meeting, any update would be considered by the Economy and Growth Committee. It was likely that an update would be provided once clarification had been received from MHCLG as to when consultation would formally commence. It was agreed that the Council should formally respond to any consultation, and that local communities should also be informed of the consultation and given the opportunity to respond.

-       Staff Exit Interviews: it was confirmed that consideration of key themes/trends would likely form part of a future performance report to the appropriate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Work Programme be received and noted.

To receive the minutes of:

- Finance Sub-Committee – 3 November 2025

- General Appeals Sub Committee – 9 December 2025

RESOLVED:

That the committee note the minutes of the Finance Sub Committee (3 November 2025) and General Appeals Sub Committee (9 December 2025).

To note the urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive on behalf of the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the committee note the urgent decision taken on behalf of the Corporate Policy Committee.

To consider the urgent report.

In accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair of the Corporate Policy Committee had agreed that this item could be considered as an item of urgent business as it could not wait until the next scheduled meeting of the Finance Sub Committee to enable a decision to be made in relation to the sale of the land.

The committee considered the urgent report in relation to the appropriation of land at Hall Moss Farm, Handforth, which was currently held for smallholdings under the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908 but was no longer required for that purpose. The land, historically intended for ex?servicemen, had been vacant for several years and was now subject to a negotiated long lease with a neighbouring sporting body. The committee noted that appropriation under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 was required to change the land’s statutory use to general purposes, enabling the lease to proceed lawfully and allowing the Council to realise a significant capital receipt.

The committee queried the length of the lease, capital receipt and anticipated provision for the site in the future. Officers committed to providing a confidential written response.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That the Corporate Policy Committee

1.    Confirm that the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report, that was currently held for smallholdings is no longer required for these purposes and approve the appropriation of the land for general purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972.