As Cheshire East Council (CEC) considers transferring more responsibilities to town and parish councils, Congleton Town Council is highlighting the services it already provides — and asking residents to help decide what should come next.
The town council plays a major role in maintaining the town’s environment through its Streetscape Service, which looks after green spaces, play areas, seasonal planting, and the daily emptying of over 200 litter and dog bins. The town council also delivers many well-loved community events, including the Christmas Lights Switch-On, Food & Drink Festival, Summer Play Days, and the Green Fayre, as well as managing the Town Hall and Congleton Information Centre.
With CEC reducing some of its maintenance services, the town council is increasingly being asked to do more to keep Congleton clean, attractive, and well cared for.
Congleton Town Council is mainly funded through the Council Tax precept. Due to rising costs, the precept will need to increase simply to maintain existing services at their current standard. If the town council takes on additional responsibilities, such as public toilets, extra green spaces, town centre public realm, or improved youth facilities — a larger precept increase will be required to deliver them properly.
Congleton Town Council’s Chief Officer, David McGifford said: “We are proud of the services we already provide, but delivering more without extra funding would not be sustainable. We need residents’ views on which services they value most and what they would like us to prioritise.”
Residents are encouraged to complete the survey, open until 6 December. It takes only a few minutes and will help shape local priorities for years to come. Share your views here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/CTCServices or scan the QR code.
