CWaC Council publishes proposed budget while continuing to prioritise investment in communities

Cheshire West and Chester Council has published its proposed budget for 2026-27, setting out how it plans to protect vital services for residents while responding to ongoing financial pressures facing local government.

Like councils across the country, Cheshire West and Chester continues to face rising demand for services, particularly in adult social care and children’s services, alongside increasing costs. While the recent multiyear government funding settlement provides some welcome certainty and additional funding, significant financial challenges remain.

The proposed budget prioritises statutory services and continued investment in local communities. It includes additional investment in adult social care to help people live independently for longer, support mental health needs and maintain a sustainable care provider market. Continued investment in children and families would support early help, reduce the need for crisis intervention, and improve outcomes for young people.

The budget also sets out continued investment in neighbourhoods across the borough, including maintaining roads and transport, supporting community facilities, and investing in local infrastructure. It highlights key programmes of activity and engagement with residents and businesses, supported by a community’s led approach and improvements to digital and customer services.

If approved, Council Tax would increase by 4.99 percent in 2026-27, including a 2 percent Adult Social Care precept. Support would remain available for residents who may struggle financially, including Council Tax Reduction, hardship support and the Crisis Resilience Fund.

The proposed budget follows the Fit for the Future public consultation, held in autumn 2025. The consultation was open to residents, businesses, and community groups across the borough, giving people the opportunity to help shape how Council spending is prioritised.

Residents told the Council that protecting care services, supporting vulnerable people, investing in local neighbourhoods, and helping those affected by the cost of living should be the top priorities. This feedback has helped shape the proposed budget.

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

“Setting this proposed budget has required some very difficult decisions against a backdrop of rising demand and increasing costs.

“Throughout this process, we have remained focused on what residents told us matters most to them: protecting care services, supporting vulnerable people and continuing to invest in our communities.

“Despite the challenges we face, these proposals prioritise adult social care and children’s services, invest in prevention and early help, and aim to maintain essential neighbourhood services. Alongside this, the Council plans to invest more than £400 million through its Capital Programme over the next four years.”

The proposed budget will be considered by Council as part of the formal budget setting process.