The government has said it remains 'very concerned' about the challenge still facing Cheshire East, a year after issuing a best value notice saying it had to improve.

A letter to the council, says the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) recognises 'early signs of improvement' including transitioning to a cabinet model of governance, an improvement in children's services recognised by Ofsted and the council's commitment to improving its medium-term financial position.

But it continues: "Ministers remain very concerned about the scale of challenge still facing the authority."

It refers to 'long standing gaps in key leadership roles, high turnover, and reliance on interims' which have prevented the authority from making substantial progress and says there is still significant work to do.

And it adds: "There remain signs of resistance to cultural change, which cannot be made across the organisation without being driven by a strong and stable leadership team.

"It is also vital to translate plans to improve financial sustainability into sustained delivery."

The council has been issued with a revised best value notice which will be reviewed in November 2026 when the government will confirm 'whether it has the necessary assurance or if further action is needed'.

The council's leadership was notified of the letter as the meeting of full council was taking place on Wednesday.

Council leader Nick Mannion (Lab) told that meeting: "I haven't actually read it yet, but since the original notice was issued in May 2025, the government recognises our constructive engagement and early signs of improvement."

Deputy leader Michael Gorman (Ind) said: "We really do fully appreciate and understand the scale of the challenge that remains, but this is really great news, and really demonstrates the confidence in this administration, which is being taken by MHCLG.

"We will continue to liaise with the department, with the DFE, with the children's improvement board, with the LGA, and our assurance panel to ensure we deliver the improvements required for the notice to be withdrawn fully in November 26, just three months' time."

On reading the letter after the meeting, Conservative group leader Stewart Gardiner said: "The positivity with which Cllr Mannion and his deputy greeted the letter from officials at the MHCLG regarding the updated status of the best value notice issued in May 2025 was, on the face of it, very welcome news.

"Imagine my incredulity when I read the letter.

"Yes, MHCLG did recognise the work already completed, but they go on to express concern about several issues…

"The letter then lists nine areas where officials and ministers remain dissatisfied and will continue to monitor progress."

He added: "If the transformation programme required by the best value notice is to succeed, there needs to be an acceptance that without being honest about ourselves, and our failings, we cannot hope to deliver the change which is required."