Cheshire East Council sees a fairer future ahead

Editor's note:- quite a lot to read, but right at the end of the article is a link to a short video by Cheshire East councillors that covers much of what is below

Cheshire East Council is asking residents, businesses and other organisations about its plans for a fairer future.

The council's new corporate plan sets out the vision and priorities for the council over the next four years.

This includes its plans to reduce inequalities, promote fairness and opportunity for all and support the most vulnerable residents. It aims to:

• Reduce health inequalities across the borough;
• Reduce the reliance on long-term care by improving services closer to home and providing more extra-care facilities, including dementia services;
• A commitment to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities;
• Safeguard our children from abuse, neglect and exploitation;
• All children to have the best start in life with ongoing opportunities to maximise their potential;
• Increase the life opportunities for young adults and adults with additional needs;
• Be the best corporate parents and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people; and
• A collaborative way of working with partners to support communities to achieve their full potential.

Councillor Laura Jeuda, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, said: "While many people in the borough enjoy good health and standards of living, we do see inequality. One of our key priorities is to reduce these inequalities.

"We believe that, working alongside health and care providers, we will ensure that people are supported to live longer, more fulfilling and healthier lives, with a reduced reliance on long-term care. We want to help older residents and those with additional needs to stay closer to the places and people they love."

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families, said: "We want every child and young person in Cheshire East to have the best start in life, be safe, happy, healthy and to reach their potential. We also have a focus on support for those with additional needs and we want to be the best corporate parents we can be for children in our care.

"The new corporate plan includes many actions that will help us towards those goals.

"We try to work closely with children and families to develop our plans and projects wherever we can – and this corporate plan is no exception. So please read the plan and let us know your thoughts through the survey."

Councillor Mick Warren, cabinet member for communities, said: "Covid-19 has shown us how strong and how important our communities are in Cheshire East. The local community, voluntary and faith sector has really stepped up to the mark and it's been inspirational to see how residents have come together to help and support each other during these difficult times. 

"We want Cheshire East Council to work effectively with third sector partners and help individuals and groups to thrive in all our varied communities, celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

"Please read the corporate plan and let us know your thoughts. Visit cheshireeast.gov.uk and look out for the corporate plan consultation to learn more."

The council's corporate plan consultation is open until 27 November. To find out more and give your feedback visit:
here