BUDGET plans which would see residents pay 4.99 per cent more council tax from April have moved a step closer to final sign-off.

At a meeting of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet this afternoon (Wednesday, February 10), councillors voted to send the authority’s budget for full council approval later his month.

The document consists of a budget for the 2021-22 financial year, as well as an ‘indicative’ financial plan for 2022-25, and shows that council chiefs are planning to raise council tax by 4.99 per cent in 2021-22.

This is the maximum allowed by central government, and is made up of a 1.99 per cent council tax rise itself, and an additional three per cent adult social care precept.

Presenting the budget to cabinet, finance portfolio holder Cllr Carol Gahan: “The council has a strong financial track record but the outlook for this budget is challenging.

“The gap in the coming financial year is £30 million. The package fully bridges the gap for 2021-22. The focus of all elements of the budget is on the key priorities in [our council] plans.
“The key financial challenges continue to be adult social care and children’s social care. The financial impact of Covid-19 has been significant with the council at the forefront of the response.”

Although the budget is balanced for the coming financial year, CWAC is facing a £53.4 million black hole between April 2022 and March 2025, which is referred to as the ‘jaws of doom’ graph by the Labour cabinet.

Having approved the budget, it will now go to full council for final approval at 5pm on February 25.