Annual Report

Overview

West Cheshire has a population of 340,500 and is made up of the historic city of Chester, industrial and market towns, such as Northwich, Winsford and Ellesmere Port, and rural villages. It has a diverse range of communities, scenery and heritage.

There are 70 elected members of Cheshire West and Chester Council representing the 45 wards that make up the area. The Council is made up of 35 Labour councillors, 29 Conservative councillors, two Liberal Democrat councillors, one Green Party councillor and three Independent councillors.

Introduction to the report

Our response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

The Cheshire West and Chester Council response to the pandemic was assessed by leaders from the local government sector in a review co-ordinated by the Local Government Association (LGA). The review panel recognised that we 'adapted well to the national challenges presented by the pandemic, continuing to provide essential services and support to residents, businesses and communities.' It also highlighted the strength of our community leadership and engagement with local people, and 'the immense commitment and progress made with partners.'

Many Council services were maintained throughout the pandemic with 70 per cent of our staff enabled to work from home - a tenfold increase on the previous year - and our entire workforce upgraded to Windows 10.

Our COVID-19 response

Business as usual

At the same time, the priorities highlighted in our Council Plan remained priorities for our communities, despite other challenges, and we have made significant progress in driving them forward.

In 2020-21 the council delivered £4.5m of savings and invested £24.2m in priority services.