WARRINGTON Borough Council has pledged its full support to the most vulnerable in the town, despite facing increased costs.

Council spending data shows that the council is facing increased energy and fuel costs, more than 200 per cent higher than in a similar period last year.

In August 2022, the council spent £366,995.91 on electricity, gas, diesel and petrol.

In a similar period last year, the council spent £104,606.85 on the same costs.

The energy price cap has risen considerably in the past year, as well as the increase in costs of petrol and diesel, which has led to higher prices for all consumers this year.

These price rises, combined with a rapid rate of inflation, have ensured that everyone tightens their belts - as well as forcing local councils to find ways to pay higher costs, as well as continue to provide services.

Warrington Borough Council has reaffirmed its commitment to providing its services to the most vulnerable in the town and has explained that the council is paying the full market price for energy bills, as residents do.

In August this year, the council spent £296,417.62 paying off invoices for electricity and gas - it also spent £70,578.29 on combined costs for petrol and diesel.

In 2021 (some figures taken from June for fair representation) the council spent £58,397.16 on energy bills, and £46,209.69 on fuel.

This marks an increase in energy bills of 407 per cent, fuel costs increase by 52.7 per cent.

Overall, council expenditure increased by 250.8 per cent for energy and fuel, between 2021 and 2022.

A spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council said: "Using the value of invoices paid in any short period of time to calculate percentage increases in energy and fuel costs can be misleading.

"This is because it may give an inaccurate picture due to the timing of receipt and payment of invoices and the periods to which they may relate.

"However, it is clear that the cost of living is and will continue to impact the services we run, in the same way that it is impacting households across Warrington.

"The council pays the full market price, the same as everyone else."

The spokesperson added: "While we are dealing with an increase in energy costs, our priority remains to provide the most vital services to our residents, particularly our most vulnerable, and to plan for how we can best support our communities in the run-up to winter."