Report recognises Cheshire East Council’s turnaround progress while highlighting need for further improvement 

18 August 2026 

Cheshire East Council has received an external assurance review report from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). 

The report, dated May 2026 and based on a review undertaken in April 2026, concludes that: "Cheshire East is finally facing up to the consequences of decisions deferred, problems ignored and opportunities missed over more than a decade. It is in a genuine turnaround situation, has made real progress over the last six months, but still has a long way to go." 

The report provides independent recognition of the significant progress made in recent months, while also reinforcing the scale of the challenge that remains. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "The report recognises the progress we have made. Since the review was carried out three months ago, we have made further significant progress in addressing the issues raised, completing many actions and making good progress on the remaining recommendations. 

"We have completely changed the council's governance arrangements, moving to a cabinet model in just six months. We have strengthened our independently chaired Assurance Panel with the appointment of Sharon Kemp as chair, continued to improve financial reporting and oversight, and made further permanent senior officer appointments. 

"These are just a few examples of how we are responding to recommendations from this and other external reviews. 

"We understand why we are in this position and what we need to do to address the concerns raised in the review. Many councils are facing similar challenges, and a number of the risks identified could apply to local authorities across the country. 

"While we have made significant progress, we are not complacent. We know there is more to do, and we are absolutely committed to delivering sustained improvement." 

Alongside its improvement programme, Cheshire East continues to focus on delivering economic growth and embracing the government's devolution agenda. Through the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, the council is seeking greater local control over investment, infrastructure, skills and economic development, helping to create the foundations for long-term financial sustainability and prosperity across the borough and wider sub-region. 

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: "While the report reflects on the council's history, our focus is firmly on the present and on building a stronger future for Cheshire East. 

"We continue to be on the front foot in driving economic growth and embracing the deeper devolution agenda being brought forward by government. Through the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, we are helping secure greater local influence over the decisions that affect our residents, businesses and communities. 

"That signals our determination to take more responsibility for shaping our own future, strengthening our long-term financial sustainability and creating the conditions for growth, investment and opportunity across Cheshire East and the wider sub-region. 

"Our ambition is not simply to balance the books. We want to create the conditions for sustainable economic growth by attracting investment, supporting local businesses, delivering new employment opportunities, investing in skills and ensuring that our towns and rural communities are well placed to benefit from future growth. 

"Cheshire East is home to some of the country's leading advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, digital innovation and agritech. Through devolution and closer partnership working, we want to unlock the full economic potential of Cheshire East, ensuring that prosperity is generated locally and that the benefits are felt by residents and communities across the borough. 

"We need to maintain momentum and continue identifying opportunities to accelerate improvement. 

"A key objective of our plan is to eliminate the need for Exceptional Financial Support in next year's budget and ensure we live within our means. Demand for services and costs continue to rise, so we must embrace new ways of working. 

"That is why we are transforming how the council communicates and engages with residents, bringing people into the conversation about the changes we are making, the challenges we face and the opportunities ahead. 

"We are also seeking to work more closely with town and parish councils, community groups and other partners, helping bring decisions about local services even closer to the communities they affect. 

"We are realistic about our position and clear about what needs to be done. Our Corporate Improvement and Transformation Delivery Plan sets out the actions we are taking, and residents can track our progress through public Cabinet reports and regular council updates." 

The council is required to report on progress against the CIPFA review recommendations by the end of September. 

ENDS

Notes to editors: 

The Cheshire East Council external assurance review 2026-27 was commissioned by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as part of the assurance arrangements for councils seeking Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) for 2026-27. It focused on the council’s financial management, transformation plans and governance arrangements.