LIFTING the pay freeze on public sector workers has been welcomed by Knutsford's deputy mayor.

The wages of teachers, police officers and civil servants are set to rise after Chancellor Rishi Sunak removed the block on salary increases imposed last year would end in April 2022.

However, Cllr Mike Houghton is concerned about the burden rising taxes will have on the private sector.

He said: "It is very encouraging that there is investment in public spending but the negative result is that the tax burden that is going to fall on most people.

READ > Police appeal after Audi A3 stolen in Halloween burglary

"It is a sound budget. The Chancellor has tried to redress the huge amount of borrowing that had to go on during the pandemic."

The extension of the 50 per cent business rate relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, he said, has given local traders some reprieve.

"There was a huge fear that once furlough ended there would be waves of people being made redundant," said Cllr Houghton.

"Thankfully The Chancellor realised businesses needed a break as well. He has recognised sensitive spots in the economy and tried to do something to alleviate those sectors hardest hit.

"I don't think we've solved all the problems, it was an impossible task."

Confidence is returning to the town centre.

"We had a Halloween pumpkin trail event on Saturday and it was exceptionally well attended," said Cllr Houghton, who is chairman of the events and town centre management committee.

"Feedback has been hugely positive. People have thanked the council for putting on these events."