Historic day as new councils take over power in Cheshire

Apr 8 2009 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

POLITICIANS marked the end of an era as two new councils took control of Cheshire.

The new Cheshire West & Chester and Cheshire East councils were formed from the previous combination of borough councils and Cheshire County Council.

They will receive a share of the £30m remaining when the county council closed its books last week.

Cheshire West & Chester includes the former Chester, Ellesmere Port and Neston, and Vale Royal councils.

Conservative Mike Jones will be the first leader of the new authority, which now takes responsibility for around 14,000 employees and a population of more than 300,000 people.

Liverpool-born mortgage broker John Ebo will be its first chairman.

One of the largest councils in the North West, its members were elected last year, with the Conservatives taking 55 of the 72 seats.

Since then, the “shadow” authority has appointed its management team and prepared to take power.

There was also the painful process of shedding about 250 staff through voluntary redundancies, and setting the budget.

Cllr Jones said it was “an exciting time” but a key issues was to provide seamless continuity of service.

He said: “We set out on day one we want a new council with a different way of doing things – responsive, exciting and with people prepared to try new things. Residents will see a very different council over the next six to 12 months.

“We recognise people cannot get excited about a change in organisation – what they want are good services and value for money.”

Last week councillors past and present and staff packed Cheshire’s council chamber to hear the final business of the county council.

The Reverend Paul Wilson opened the meeting with a prayer reflecting on over a century of public service and looking ahead to a bright future.

The projected £30m financial out-turn of the county council on its final day in business – the only item for decision – was approved.

Council leader Paul Findlow said: “The balances add up to some £30m, which will provide a sound launch pad for the new East and West authorities.”

Following the meeting, the bells of the nearby St Mary’s Centre were rung to mark the historic occasion.

Local government minister John Healey MP wished both new authorities well, adding: “With Cheshire West & Chester set to save over £7.8m a year and Cheshire East over £8m, once they are up and running, both councils are committed to putting the money back into local services.

“I am confident the North West’s two new councils will prove a success. But, in the end, it will be the residents they serve who make the most important judgment.”