IT seems that the bridge isn’t going to be free to everyone in Halton as promised as those living in properties that are in bands G and H council tax have been sent a letter stating they are not eligible.

This was certainly news to us.

I have undertaken a limited search but can’t find any reports on this.

This raises a number of issues.

This group already pays the highest rates but will be receiving less services than others, for instance we often walk our dog on Wigg Island.

We wouldn’t pay £3.60 just for that, so in effect we will not have access to those facilities.

If the bridge is used by these households for just one return trip the cost will be more than £1,300 a year, reflecting a huge rate increase.

Local businesses may be affected as people in this band may be reluctant to pay to cross the bridge to shop.

This rule applies to everyone in the house, even if they are not the owners, so adult children will be judged on their parents’ assets rather than their own income.

Finally, it isn’t clear what facts or analysis have been used to determine this decision as I haven’t found this in my limited search of council minutes.

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