A VETERAN Cheshire East councillor has warned that the authority's ongoing budget consultation needs 'more detailed information'.

Cllr Rod Fletcher, who has represented Alsager since the council was created in 2009, says residents are being asked to give feedback on a draft 'without clear information as to what the proposed service cuts are'.

Cllr Fletcher, Liberal Democrat, made his comments at a meeting of CEC's cabinet on Tuesday December 1.

"I have concerns over proposed cuts in Domiciliary Care, Safeguarding Children, Transport savings, and proposed increase in charges in many areas," added Cllr Fletcher, who chairs the council's audit and governance committee.

"The report mentions changes to the medium term financial strategy capital programme — should there not be consultation on removing items that are currently included?

"The report shows an increase in borrowing in future years which will  have a detrimental effect on the revenue budget. I hope more information will be provided before councillors are expected to vote on these proposals in February."

The council is currently facing a pandemic shortfall of £13 million, but this number is much-reduced from the £26 million estimated in October.

The budget being consulted on, which also includes CEC's draft financial strategy until 2025, works on the assumption that council tax will be raised by 1.99 per cent annually until that year.

Once the public consultation concludes, officials will then speak with 'key stakeholders' such as CEC staff, councillors, town and parish councils, schools, and trade unions.

Their views will then be used to form a final draft of the budget in January, before it is set to go to full council approval on February 17.

You can leave your feedback on the draft budget here.