Council launches budget simulator as part of its conversation with the public on spending

People living in Cheshire West and Chester are being urged to have a go at balancing the Council’s budget, by using an online budget simulator tool.

The simulator is part of the Council’s annual budget consultation, Join the Budget Conversation, which includes spending and budget proposals reflecting local people’s priorities and aligns with its recent Borough Plan.

The consultation gives an overview of the increasing need for Council services.

Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance, Councillor Carol Gahan, said:

“Local public services are under significant and immediate financial pressure. There are no easy solutions. Looking after children and adults who need to use care services and ensuring all children have the best start in life, is an investment in the borough’s future, as well as a moral and legal duty, and takes up around two thirds of the Council’s expenditure budget. Not only do we want to undertake these duties, but moreover, we are legally required to do so. Many more children with complex needs are requiring high-cost placements. There are currently 13 placements each costing over £500,000 a year, which accounts for 34% of the overall spend supporting children in care.

“The Council spends £977 million each year on services which benefit local people every day. For example, we undertake refuse, recycling, food and garden waste collection. We clean and maintain roads and public open spaces. We are proud that our museums, libraries, leisure centres and swimming pools have thrived during these difficult times, which has sadly, not been the case for many other local authority areas. The bulk of our budget funds services that many people may not be aware of, if they, their family or friends are not directly impacted. These are vital to many people in our communities who need extra help and support. Please have a go at balancing the budget for yourself and take part in the survey. Local people’s feedback on our approach and latest thinking is very important.”

There are several ways you can get involved and have your say.

• Visit our Join the Budget Consultation page to complete a survey and have a go at balancing the budget by taking part in the budget simulator. Join the budget conversation | Participate Now

• You can write to: Join the Budget Conversation, Insight and Intelligence, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA
  Email: councilbudget@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk to share your views
  Telephone 0300 123 8123, to speak to the Council’s Contact Centre, quoting ‘Join the Budget Conversation’.

• Paper copies of the consultation will be available in all public libraries and on request using the contact details above. Alternative formats are also available on request using the contact details above.

This consultation will close on Sunday, 1 December. The results will be published on the Council’s website in January 2025, so that people who took part can see how their views have influenced decisions.

Specific budget proposals will be voted on at a full Council meeting, scheduled for 20 February 2025.