The report is based on the Governments financial settlement for 2012-13 and set against the ‘very difficult’ financial scenario facing the public sector.
But Director of Resources Julie Gill has reported: “In terms of financial management, the budget builds on the considerable success of the first three years of the new Council.
“During this period the Council has delivered savings of around £82m, reinvesting £34m in front line services and reducing costs for council taxpayers by £48m.”
The Council’s estimated gross revenue expenditure for 2012-13 is around £728m, with Children’s Services £289.6m by far the largest budget.
Councillor Les Ford, Executive Member for Resources, said: “It has been a considerable achievement to get us to the stage where we are able to produce a deliverable budget given the uncertainty surrounding local government funding over the past couple of years.
“We will be working equally as hard to develop proposals to bridge the funding gaps facing the authority in the next two years.”
Cheshire West & Chester’s standard Band D Council Tax rate for 2012-13 will not change at £1,254.59.
Graham commented: “When so many bills are going up, this is good news for local residents.
“The Conservative Council has been able to find substantial savings and keep council tax down whilst improving local services like bringing back weekly bin collections.
“I just hope that Labour-controlled Halton Council is able to follow Cheshire West’s lead.”