Congleton residents can help shape the future of local services amid 'unprecedented' financial pressures.

The Town Council is urging residents to take part in a short survey on the future of services such as road and pavement repairs, public toilets, gulley emptying and weeding.

It comes as Cheshire East Council forecasts a £3.1 million shortfall by March 2026, rising to £33 million the following year due to inflation, rising costs and increased demand.

The borough council is legally obliged to commit 70% of its annual £427 million budget to adult and children's social care, leaving limited funds for essential neighbourhood services.

Congleton Town Council's chief officer, David McGifford, said: "We know residents expect high standards from their local services, and we want to protect what makes Congleton such a great place to live.

"But with Cheshire East Council under such pressure, more responsibility is likely to fall to town and parish councils.

"We need local people to tell us what matters most before any decisions are made."

Congleton Town Council is considering taking over ownership of public toilets at the bus station (Credit: CTC)

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As part of preparations for the 2026/27 budget, Congleton Town Council is consulting on whether it should take on additional services, including ownership of public toilets at the bus station, Market Area and Congleton Park, maintaining additional green spaces, extra grass cutting, and town centre maintenance

Other possibilities under consideration include improved youth facilities, supporting additional local bus links and potentially taking responsibility for Congleton Market.

The town council is primarily funded through the Council Tax Precept, collected by CEC.

For the town council to maintain its current services in the face of rising costs, the precept will need to increase.

If additional services are devolved to the town council, a larger precept increase would be required to deliver them effectively.

Mr McGifford added: "We want to be open with residents, taking on more services locally is possible, but it will require additional funding.

"That's why it's so important that people tell us which services they value most."

The survey can be viewed online here and should be completed by December 6.

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