The Corporate Policy Committee of Cheshire East Council met on Thursday, 13 June 2024, to discuss a range of significant topics including the Cheshire East Plan 2024-25, devolution, the annual complaints report, and the final outturn for 2023-24. Key decisions were made, and several reports were noted.

Cheshire East Plan 2024-25

The committee discussed the updated Cheshire East Plan 2024-25, which builds on previous reports and presents an update to the existing corporate plan for its final year. The committee recommended the updated plan for council approval and agreed to commence work on a new plan for 2025 onwards. Councillor Janet Clowes expressed concerns about the value of the one-year plan given the upcoming transformation plan and potential changes from a new government. However, the committee decided to proceed with the interim plan.

Devolution

The committee reviewed the devolution report which outlines the current position and proposed next steps regarding devolution. The report highlighted the potential financial benefits and increased power and control that devolution could bring to the sub-region of Cheshire and Warrington. Councillor Arthur Moran raised concerns about the financial positions of other councils involved in devolution and the potential impact on Cheshire East. Despite some reservations, the committee agreed to engage in discussions with the government to explore devolution options.

Annual Complaints Report

The annual complaints report was presented, summarising complaints and compliments received during the financial year 2023-24. The council received 3,051 complaints and 864 compliments. Councillor Liz Wardlaw raised concerns about the increase in complaints and the potential link to resource gaps. The committee noted the importance of learning from complaints to improve services.

Final Outturn for 2023-24

The committee reviewed the final outturn report for 2023-24, which showed an underspend of £4.5 million. The report covered revenue, capital, grants, debt management, and reserves. Councillor Janet Clowes emphasized the need to ensure that savings do not compromise service standards and highlighted the importance of developing staff.

Performance Report Q4 2023-24

The performance report for Q4 2023-24 was discussed, noting key metrics such as a vacancy rate of 12.16%, a reduction in agency staff, and the completion of 569 affordable homes. Councillor Janet Clowes and Councillor Jill Rhodes raised concerns about the decrease in the percentage of Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) completed within 20 weeks, which fell to 46%.

Appointments to Sub-Committees and Working Groups

The committee approved the appointments to various sub-committees, working groups, panels, boards, and joint committees for the 2024-25 municipal year. Councillor Liz Braithwaite was appointed to the Manchester Airport Consultative Committee, replacing Councillor Nick Mannion.

Strategic Risk Register

The committee reviewed the strategic risk register, noting several high-level risks that have remained unchanged over the past year. Councillor Chris O'Leary expressed concerns about the effectiveness of mitigation actions.

Urgent Decision - Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Grant

The committee noted an urgent decision taken by the Chief Executive to accept £1.4 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Grant.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed and approved the work programme for 2024-25, including the addition of receiving the outturn for the entire council, not just the committee.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the public reports pack and the printed minutes of the meeting.