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 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.

Further information, photographs and the full findings from the Community Assemblies can be accessed below:

• Budget Engagement 2026 to 2030 full report (PDF, 1.2MB) – see pages 34 to 46

Photo 1: Macclesfield Community Assembly held 3/12/2025. The council's Executive Director of Resources sets out some background information about the council's budget setting process.

Photo 2: Macclesfield Community Assembly held 3/12/2025. Residents listen to the expert information being presented.

Photo 3: Crewe Community Assembly held 27/11/2025. The council's Executive Director of Resources sets out some background information about the council's budget setting process.