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Community Assemblies in Cheshire East

Let's talk. Really talk. Together.

Community Assemblies are a new way for residents to get involved in shaping the future of Cheshire East.

They bring residents and the council together to have open, two-way conversations about the issues that matter most to our communities. Participants receive balanced information, hear different perspectives and take part in open, constructive conversations that help shape council priorities, activities and decisions.

Community Assemblies are used where issues are complex or involve difficult choices, helping the council better understand resident views before decisions are made.

Topics may include:

  • Council priorities and budgets
  • Planning and growth
  • Waste and recycling
  • Service transformation
  • Other significant issues affecting Cheshire East.

Community Assemblies do not make decisions. Instead, they provide insight and recommendations that help inform future policies, services and plans.

How do Community Assemblies work?

Community Assemblies bring together small groups of residents from across Cheshire East to discuss important local issues and help shape what happens next.

At a Community Assembly, you can:

  • Hear balanced information about the topic being discussed
  • Share your views and experiences
  • Hear different perspectives from other residents
  • Take part in open, constructive conversations
  • Help shape ideas, priorities and future direction.

Assemblies usually last up to two hours and are supported by facilitators to make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

How are participants selected?

Participants are primarily recruited through the Community Voices Panel, Cheshire East Council's resident engagement network.

We aim to bring together people from different backgrounds, communities and life experiences so a broad range of perspectives can be heard. Depending on the topic, we may also invite people with particular experiences or interests to take part.

Want to take part in a future Community Assembly?

Join the Community Voices Panel

See our Community Voices Panel page.

Making a difference

The insight gathered through Community Assemblies helps us to:

  • Shape council priorities, activities and decisions
  • Develop policies and future plans
  • Improve services
  • Better understand residents' experiences and perspectives.

After each Community Assembly, we'll publish a summary of what we heard and explain how the insight has been used.

Community Assembly Archive

Budget Community Assembly - September 2026

On 7 September 2026, Cheshire East Council held a Budget Community Assembly at Holmes Chapel Community Centre.

The event brought together 26 residents from across the borough to explore the financial challenges facing Cheshire East and to consider the question “what principles should guide future budget decisions when there isn't enough money to do everything?”.

Key findings:

The main outcome of the Community Assembly was a set of six resident-led principles to guide future budget decisions:

  1. Prioritise the services people rely on most
  2. Deliver value for money
  3. Be transparent
  4. Get things right first time
  5. Work in partnership
  6. Focus on outcomes and community wellbeing

Event reports:

Event photo:

Photo 3: Attendees discuss activity 3.

Attendees sit around a table discussing items on a flipchart.

Local Plan Community Assembly - August 2026

On 18 August 2026, Cheshire East Council held its first Local Plan Community Assembly at Congleton Town Hall.

The event brought together 29 residents from across Cheshire East to discuss the borough's future and explore priorities for the new Local Plan.

This Community Assembly forms part of an ongoing programme of engagement supporting the preparation of Cheshire East's new Local Plan.

Key findings:

  • Residents value Cheshire East's environment
  • Growth should be infrastructure-led
  • Housing affordability remains a major concern
  • Communities and local identity are important
  • Brownfield development attracted strong support

Event reports:

Event photo:

Photo 2: Attendees await the start of the Assembly.

Attendees sit at several table while the main facilitators sit at the front of the event.

Budget Community Assemblies 2025

As part of the council's Budget Engagement for 2026–2030, two Community Assemblies were held in Crewe and Macclesfield during November and December 2025.

Twenty-nine residents took part in conversations about the council's finances, service priorities, income generation, digital transformation and long-term sustainability.

Key themes included:

  • The financial challenges facing the council and adult social care funding
  • How council services should be prioritised
  • Greater transparency around spending and decision-making
  • Community involvement in service delivery
  • Improving communication and engagement with residents.

Event report:

Event photo:

Photo 1: Macclesfield Community Assembly held 3/12/2025. Residents listen to the expert information being presented.

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