Leader's and Deputy Leader's Announcements
To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader and Deputy Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader, in summary:
1 reported that work continued on devolution with workshops and stakeholder sessions planned for November. Priorities for the Combined Authority would include transport, skills, rural economy, and regeneration, with a £10 million investment fund expected in year one. The first meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board would be held on 31 October 2025.
2 reported that the third Ofsted monitoring visit was currently under way, with the findings expected to be reported on 13 November.
3 stated that the Council was awaiting further information from the Government on the Adlington New Town proposals.
4 reported the appointment of Councillor Fiona Wilson as Member Champion for Councillor Safety and Councillor David Jefferay as Member Champion for Animal Welfare.
5 reported that the second round of consultation on the Local Transport Plan had commenced, which would close on 7 December 2025. He asked Members to promote participation in this consultation.
6 highlighted the recruitment campaign video for ‘Someone Like You.’
7 reported that a commemorative plaque had been unveiled at Sound Common, Nantwich, to honour the British Romanichal families who once called the site home.
8 encouraged staff and Members to get flu and COVID vaccinations.
The Deputy Leader, in summary:
1 reported that work was underway on the transition to the Leader and Cabinet system of governance, with recommendations being brought to the December full Council meeting and the possibility of an additional meeting of full Council next spring.
2 reported that the Annual Household Canvass had taken place and resulted in 325,000 electors registered.
3 reported that the Registration Service had been awarded “Best in the Northwest” for marriage ceremonies.
4 reported changes in the Democratic Services team, with Katie Small now coordinating Council meetings and Chris Lunn joining the team.
5 reported in relation to the Council’s finances that an overspend of £3.1 million had been identified with work being undertaken to reduce this ongoing, and the budget gap of £33 million being addressed. A Budget prioritisation survey had been launched with a strong initial response.
6 reported that two community assemblies were being planned in Macclesfield and Crewe with the aim to increase transparency and residents’ involvement in budget decisions.
7 reported that the Council supported a dedicated BBC News page for Cheshire and Warrington devolution.
8 reported that major repairs were being carried out to the Mill House Bridge in Adlington following damage caused by a flash flood. Work would commence on the B5470 Macclesfield Road in Rainow later in the month to repair the collapsed road with £1.6 million being invested in the embankment and road restoration.
9 reported that the Council had been awarded the Platinum Accreditation from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance for work in tackling domestic abuse.