To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader and Deputy Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader, in summary:
1 referred to the Adlington New Town proposals and stated that the Council was collaborating with the Government, Homes England, and local stakeholders to ensure that the Councils and the local community views were considered in every stage of the process.
2 thanked Helen Charlesworth-May and the Corporate Leadership Teamfor stepping up to cover whilst the Chief Executive was off work due to illness.
3 referred to the publication of the updated Indices of Deprivation and stated that despite overall prosperity, Cheshire East had areas of deep deprivation, and the Council would be writing to the Government to ensure fair funding allocation.
4 reported on progress with the Transformation Programme and referred to the ‘Prevent, Reduce, Enable’ project which had been trailed in Macclesfield to help residents remain independent and would be expanded Borough wide.
5 reported that the Council as exploring AI to improve productivity across Council operations.
6 highlighted that Adult Safeguarding Week, which had taken place 17 – 22 November, had looked at preventing abuse online by raising awareness and sharing practical steps to protect those at risk and had also held session on adult abuse prevention, modern slavery, radicalisation, and fire safety.
7 referred to the Winter Health Plan, which was a Borough-wide plan which prioritised timely hospital discharge and provide extra support in mental health and community services. He remaindered all to keep emergency contact numbers handy during the Christmas period.
8 reported that the Council’s Mental Health and Dementia Services was working with the Salvation Army to prepare parcels and food packs for children and families in need.
9 referred to Macclesfield Town Football Club, who had progressed to the third round of the FA Cup and would play the reigning champions Crystal Palace.
The Deputy Leader, in summary: -
1 referred to the budget challenges faced by the Council and stated that setting a balanced budget for 2026/27 would be very difficult. As part of the consultation on the budget, which continued until 17 December, two community assemblies had been held in Crewe and Macclesfield.
2 referred to the award of an additional Warm Homes Grant of £600,000 and urged councillors ot share information on the grant with residents.
3 reported that last month had seen the establishment of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board, which would oversee the establishment of the Combined Authority. Preparations for the appointment of statutory staff were underway. The Combined Authority would receive £21.7million per annum over the next 30 years. The first instalment in 2026-27 would be £10.85million, in advance of inaugural Mayoral elections in May 2027.
4 reported that Cheshire East Council’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme has been highly commended by the Department for Education, for its support during half term holidays for children and young people in receipt of income-related free school meals.
5 reported that the annual STAR Celebration Day for cared for children and care leavers had taken place at Sandbach Town Hall, with a carnival themed event.
6 reported that the Southern Gateway Scheme in Crewe had been completed, improving connectivity between the Town Centre and the train station and a link to the nearby Youth Zone.
7 paid tribute to late Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Miles Hogg and his long-standing public service.
8 Wished all present a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.