Former TV presenter to put public questions to Council in live online budget event

Cheshire West and Chester Council will be hosting a live Cabinet Question Time event on 3 December to allow local people to raise their questions on the current budget consultation.

Dave Guest, who recently retired from North West Tonight, will host the event and will put the public’s questions to Cabinet.

The Council recently published their proposals for the budget 2021-2025 as an online consultation called ‘Unprecedented Times’ at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/councilbudget where local people are asked to give their views using surveys and ideas boards.  The website also invites residents to submit their questions to Cabinet regarding budget proposals.

As well as these questions received in advance, the public will also be able to submit questions whilst watching the live event using the feedback button on the webcast.  Public questions have been received at other recent Council meetings such as the COVID-19 Outbreak Management Board. 

Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance at Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “We have managed our financial position carefully, but we are facing a future funding gap that impacts on how services are provided. 

 “After business rates and council tax are accounted for, alongside existing savings proposals that we have already consulted on, the gap remains between £34 million and £43 million, depending on the national funding available.

“We’d like to encourage local residents to submit their questions via the website so that we can respond openly to queries around this vital process”.

The Cabinet Question Time event will take place on Thursday 3 December from 7-8.30pm and will be webcast here: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news-and-views/webcasts.aspx