FINANCIAL plans which would see residents pay 4.99 per cent more council tax next year have moved a step closer to being signed off.

At a meeting of Cheshire East's cabinet this afternoon (Tuesday) councillors voted to send the authority's budget for full council approval later this month.

The Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), laying out the borough's spending and tax plans from 2021-25, shows that council chiefs are planning to raise council tax by 4.99 per cent in 2021/22.

This is the maximum allowed by central government, and is made up of a 1.99 per cent council tax rise itself, and an additional three per cent adult social care precept.

Presenting the report to Cabinet, Finance Portfolio Holder Cllr Amanda Stott said: "Despite everything else that happened in 2020, the council has still been able to plan on providing services in the medium term.

"This is the first time that Cheshire East Council has produced a corporate plan which aligns with a balanced financial plan.

"We also know that government grants are unlikely to be a [source] of future funding for these services.

"Our spending power therefore decreases without council tax increasing. This recommendation is not made lightly.

"The uncertainty of balancing future funding has made balancing the MTFS a difficult process."

While opposition members did not directly challenge the increase in council tax, they did raise concerns over plans to cut funding to some mental health services.

Deputy Conservative group leader Cllr Stewart Gardiner said: "I am concerned at… proposed savings identified for services in mental health and I am concerned this may be a mis-estimate in terms of the costs going forward.

"I am aware of a significant uplift in the significant number of people going to access mental health services.

"In a neighbouring area they have seen a rise in the number of adults with crisis situations. It may be a bit short sighted of us to imagine we can make savings in those areas."

Cllr Laura Jeuda, Cabinet member for health, said she "shared Cllr Gardiner's concerns on the rise in mental health [referrals] in the population", and outlined the process of discharging someone from hospital with a mental health issue.

The budget will be debated at a full council meeting on Wednesday, February 17.