Cheshire East Council granted £35m support to balance books
The government have granted exceptional financial support
Cheshire East Council has been granted exceptional financial support from the government for the third year so it can balance its books.
The cash-strapped council was informed yesterday its request for £35 million for the next financial year has been agreed in principle.
The news comes as the authority prepares to sign off on its budget at tomorrow’s (Wednesday) meeting of the full council.
Extra financial support enables councils to fund some day-to-day spending as longer term capital spending, which is usually funded through borrowing or selling assets.
A paper to tomorrow’s meeting from finance boss Ashley Hughes states: “The approval in principle was received in writing on February 23, 2026, and allows for up to £35 million as requested, for 2026/27.
“EFS will be available to be drawn down, as required, to be funded from borrowing.”
The council is looking at using £24.995 million EFS to balance the shortfall for 2026/27.
Originally it was predicted the funding gap for the next financial year would be £27.439 million but this has been reduced by £2.444 million due to a change to the employer pension contribution.
The budget meeting takes place at Tatton Park at 11am on Wednesday, February 25.