CHESHIRE East’s ratepayers are likely to face another council tax increase from April 2020.

Consultation will begin on Cheshire East Council’s draft budget plans for 2020-21 tomorrow, November 1.

A sneak peek at the headline figures was given at CEC’s overview and scrutiny committee meeting today, October 31.

It is set to include a possible council tax hike of 1.99 per cent, plus a two per cent precept to cover adult social care.

CEC expects to rake in an additional £4.3 million from the tax increase plus an extra £4.3 million from the precept.

The council also expects to rake in an extra £4.1 million in council tax from 2,200 new homes, while it will collect £1.3 million from business rates.

A social grant for 2020-21 recently announced by Government will see CEC receive £5.1 million.

The local authority’s overall budget will rise by £18.9 million from this year's position to around £300 million, and the council says it will have a balanced budget.

Alex Thompson, head of finance and performance, told members that the figures represent a 'strong one-year budget' – but that the council could not be complacent when planning for future years.

Consultation will end on January 6, before the final budget plans are considered by cabinet on February 4 and ratified by full council on February 20.

More details will be available from tomorrow, when the draft budget is published at cheshireeast.gov.uk