Coun James Nicholas

Bollington Independent

TO commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee communities are encouraged to arrange an event over the weekend in June, in particular to coincide with the Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday, June 5.

Grants of up to £120 are available from Cheshire East to support the funding of these events.

The process for road closures is also being simplified. Apply at CheshireEast.gov.uk.

The government

recently announced an energy rebate scheme for those living in bands A to D properties.

Residents who pay their council tax by direct debit will automatically receive the £150 rebate.

Those who don’t use the direct debit scheme will need to make contact with the council to arrange the rebate.

There is also a discretionary scheme for those living in band E and above.

Those who wish to apply for the discretionary funding should contact Cheshire East through their website or customer services. It may also be an opportunity to check the eligibility criteria for council tax support.

The community governance review is almost complete. This boundary review takes place every decade, or so, to update local council boundaries.

The review took nearly three years and there have been many changes proposed, although the majority of them are minor.

A consultation took place, with nearly 5,000 responses from residents, which has shaped the final recommendations.

The final recommendation is on the agenda for full council this month, it will come into effect at the next elections in May 2023.

Many residents now work from home, which dramatically increased planning applications primarily in the form of home extensions.

This has added to the workload for planning officers, of which there is already a major countrywide shortage.

The council is currently recruiting to bolster the workforce and a review is underway to see how the planning process can be improved.