Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, has not replied to any of Cheshire East's requests for more powers and resources.

That's according to CEC leader Cllr Sam Corcoran, who provided an update to residents on Twitter this morning.

In the video, Cllr Corcoran said: "On 22 September, Craig Browne — the deputy leader — and myself wrote jointly to the secretary of state for health asking for additional powers over establishments which are not complying with the rules and for more resources to assist with contact tracing.

"We asked for more powers so that we could apply them locally, as needed. We have not heard back."

This request was not the only one sent to the government from the county, with Cllr Corcoran co-penning another "detailed, nine-page document" with Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Borough councils.

The document outlines "what is necessary to bring the outbreak under control".

He added: "The document sets out the reason behind each measure, what is required from the government, and what additional resources are required.

"I hope that this time, we will receive support for our suggestions. We are trying to work with the government to avoid the need for additional restrictions to be imposed on us."

The news comes as it was revealed that Cheshire East's infection rate jumped from 53.9 cases per 100,000 up to 25 September, to 113 per 100,000 up to 2 October.

In a statement about the document, Cllr Craig Browne said: "We have worked hard with our neighbours and partner agencies to establish our asks of government and I'd like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and hard work. We will do everything in our power to protect residents, support businesses and beat the virus.

"However, we now need more support from government and need to work even more closely with partners to see infection rates reduce."