CWAC council tax is in line for an increase NORTHWICH and Winsford residents look set for higher council tax bills from April 1. Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced plans to increase tax by 4.99 per cent for 2021-22 – including three per cent for adult social care. The authority says it is facing a £30 million revenue funding gap in 2021-22 – plus a further £53.4 million black hole between April 2022 and March 2025. CWAC’s proposed tax increase would see residents in Band D properties pay an extra £1.51 a week, and it would be the sixth year running that council tax has been increased.
Firms that have closed due to lockdown can get financial support HELP is on hand for businesses struggling through the pandemic in Northwich and Winsford. More than £18 million has been handed over in grants to Cheshire West businesses since November 2020, in more than 11,000 payments, to help see firms through the coronavirus crisis. An additional one-off lump sum payment of up to £9,000 for businesses forced to close under the current national lockdown is also available – meaning non-essential shops, salons, hospitality and indoor leisure businesses could receive a lifeline. Cllr Carol Gahan, cabinet member for legal and finance at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: The borough’s business community continues to take the brunt of the impact of the coronavirus lockdown. Our hospitality, retail and leisure sectors have been hit hard.