KNUTSFORD town councillor Matthew Robertson has welcomed the announcement of a further £2.58 million for Cheshire East Council to continue providing vital services during coronavirus.

The additional funding, provided by the Government, comes as a share of the £900 million in extra Government funding for local councils.

This is the fourth announcement of extra direct support for local authorities since the start of the pandemic.

Cllr Robertson, who represents the Norbury Booths ward on the town council, said: “The £2.58 million announced – as the fourth tranche of direct additional funding – is hugely welcome, and will ease financial pressures on Cheshire East Council and ensure it is able to continue providing vital local services this winter.

“The funding has not been ring-fenced, so it means the local leaders have the ability to determine how to spend the additional funding in order to best protect public health, local vulnerable people and the running of vital services.

“The Government support is proving crucial to people living in Knutsford as it means Cheshire East Council can continue to provide the essential services needed.”

“In total, over £4.6 billion of the £6.4 billion in additional Government funding made available to councils has not been ring-fenced, reflecting the Government’s view that local authorities are best placed to determine local priorities.”

So far Cheshire East Council have received £24.98 million in un-ring-fenced direct additional funding.

Cllr Robertson added that Tatton would also benefit from a share of a further £100 million established to support council-run leisure centres across the country, which were proving key to helping the health and well-being of people in the area.

He added: “The new funding means local councils will have £1 billion extra in funding this winter to help maintain vital services.

“This Conservative Government is keeping its promise to local authorities and ensuring they have the resources they need to continue supporting people.”