TOWN and PARISH COUNCILS have been told that CEC will re-charge them with their share of circa £1.2m election expenses with effect from May 2027. (Charges for By-Elections are already re-charged in this way). This decision was approved at last February’s Budget Council by the Labour-led administration and based on the premise that many other Councils already recharge expenses to Town and Parish Councils.
However it is only in the past fortnight that Cheshire East Council has liaised with Town and Parish Councils and Elected CE Members, presenting this demand at the worst time of year for Parish Councils as they try to set their precepts (budgets) for 2025-26. It is exacerbated by the fact that CEC have still not worked out what the actual charges will be!
CEC Officers attended a meeting of the Cheshire Association of Local Councils (CHALC) last Tuesday (19th November), where they discussed this decision.
Cllr Janet Clowes (Conservative Group Leader) said:
“I attended with representatives from various Parish Councils. Officers were unable to tell us what the costs would be but admitted they would be far higher where elections were contested. This means our Parish Councils will have to increase parish precepts to meet this unexpected expenditure and many smaller parishes will have to spread these costs over several years. Some of our smaller parishes, where the precept is under £5,000 pa, are concerned if they will be able to remain fiscally viable.”
For those Councils that have already prepared their budgets and set their precepts, CEC have said that they can re-submit any adjusted precept calculations by the submission date of 17th January. It is likely that those Councils that have committed to providing local services may have to withdraw support to make their own budgets balance.
Cllr Clowes concluded;
“The way this decision has been delivered, its appalling timing and the paucity of relevant information is beyond frustrating , it is wholly unacceptable. I have reported my concerns to the Chief Executive and have raised it at the relevant Service Committee Meetings.”
CEC Officers confirmed today (28th November) that it was hoped that the charging rates would be published during December.
(Recorded meetings: 27.11.2024: Environment & Communities Committee & 28.11.2024: Corporate Policy Committee)
