Published: Thursday, 18th Feb 2021

Update about Bolton Council's response to the pandemic.

Testing for people without symptomsCouncil’s budget to protect care and services

Bolton Council has agreed its budget for 2021-2.

Last night’s Full Council meeting agreed a 1.3% increase in the general council tax rate with a 2.5% rise for adult social care to protect those most vulnerable adults, as part of the budget for 2021-2.

It also agreed savings of £37.2m for 2021-3 with £32.3m in 2021/22 and £4.9m in 2022/23.

The savings are £2.3m fewer than initially expected last November, because of the impact of a public sector pay freeze, together with a slightly improved Collection Fund deficit in 20/21.

The council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday 8 had put forward recommendations for how this extra £2.3m would be used. It means that the council has been able to reduce the increase in the Council Tax and also reduce the savings required for some services.

Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Survey

Greater Manchester Combined Authority are creating a Nature Recovery Plan for the region and they want your views on our green spaces, woodlands and waterways and how they can be improved. The survey closes February 28.

Take the survey.

Help and support for parents of babies

Being at home alone with your baby can be difficult for any parent/carer. The isolation of lockdown can make this extra stressful. You’re not alone and there is support available for anyone struggling. 

The following websites might be useful:

For free 24 hour support Text BABYBUDDY to 85258 or you can speak with the Samaritans by phoning 116 123. 

You can also speak to your health visitor for more support.

Bolton Market manager wins national award for work during Covid

The manager of Bolton Market has won a national 'Markets Heroes' award recognising his leadership and hard work during the pandemic.

Newsagent fined after council raid uncovers illegal tobacco

Bolton Council has welcomed the successful prosecution of a newsagent who was caught in possession of illegal tobacco for supply.

Entrepreneurial spirit offers hopes for strong economic recovery

Greater Manchester’s SME community “has shown an unwavering ability to seek opportunity, innovate and thrive in the hardest of times” a new report has revealed.

Bolton’s Fund: Young people to shape a greener future

Bolton’s Fund is backing young people to lead their own climate projects and help make the place they live cleaner and greener.

Thousands of Bolton families receive half-term food vouchers

Bolton Council distributed thousands of food vouchers to families across the borough ahead of the half term break.

Follow the rules or face a fine – the warning to businesses in breach of lockdown

Two gyms in Bolton have each been issued with a £1,000 fine for beaching lockdown rules.

Social care staff’s vital role during the pandemic

Social care staff from Bolton Council have been praised for their vital work during the Covid-19 pandemic.