MILK for schoolchildren and improving town centre assets like the Brunner Guildhall are priorities as Winsford Town Council approved its budget for the year ahead.

In what has been described as 'a responsible budget' for 2022/23, a near 7 per cent precept rise means the budget is delivered at almost the rate of inflation, costing the typical taxpayer an extra 9p per week.

The budget will also mean continued upgrades to the town's Christmas lights, renovation plans for Brunner Guildhall and will ensure the town's parks and open spaces are made more attractive and accessible.

Proposing acceptance of the draft budget, Cllr Lyndsay Barwell said: "I’m proud of this budget proposal from the Labour Group.

"It continues to make our parks more attractive & accessible, improve assets like the Brunner Guildhall and Christmas lights, and keeps our longstanding school milk programme for Winsford school children."

The draft budget was seconded by fellow Labour councillor Stuart Bingham, who called it 'responsible' and that it would safeguard projects against higher costs due to the Government's National Insurance increase, which will have an impact on staff costs.

Cllr Barwell concluded: "The typical taxpayer will pay an extra 9p a week to see great things delivered for our town, with the budget also keeping up with the cost increases caused by the Tory Government."

However, Mike Baynham, of the Winsford Conservatives, said the precept increase would drive up local inflation and make it harder for families to make ends meet.

He said: "Winsford Town Council will have an increased budget of £65K next year once the impact of the council precept and income from over 370 Band D newly built houses are taken into account.

"On top of Tax rises last year and the previous year, this Labour run Council has seen an increase of over £100,000 in its spending power since the 2019 election.

"During this time, there have been underspends leading to £170K in the Capital Reserve and over £400K in cash.

"It is baffling why the Labour team feel they need to hit tax payers hard again, driving up local inflation and making it harder for families to make ends meet.

"I urge residents to think about whether this is a council working for them, delivering value for money and really making a difference to Winsford.

"Winsford Conservatives oppose any increase in the Town Council precept given the very stable financial position of Winsford Council and the limited plans put forward for 2022/3."