Council services in Shropshire won't be cut despite budget black hole
The leader of Shropshire Council insists services will be protected despite savings of over ÂŁ40m needed.
Shropshire Council has released its budget proposals for the next financial year, which if approved will save over ÂŁ45m.
The authority said it will be able to deliver "The Shropshire Plan" and bring its budget into balance.
The council said the impacts of the pandemic and current economic conditions, particularly the effects of inflation and rising energy costs, are at the root of a ÂŁ36m budget challenge.
Part of the measures proposed to address the deficit include an increase in council tax, to the highest rate permitted by the Government at 4.99%.
That's the equivalent to ÂŁ1.38 a week for the average household in Shropshire (the local average is band C).
The council said the proposed increase in council tax would only provide an extra ÂŁ10m, with inflation alone having a ÂŁ43m impact.
Despite that, Shropshire Council's leader Lezley Picton is confident that leisure centres, museums and theatres would be protected.
Instead, there will be a focus on how the council delivers its services.
“We recognise that many people are struggling with their day-to day bills; being asked to pay more is a very difficult decision, and we know that most other councils are in the same position," Lezley Picton said.
“But these proposals will enable us to ensure that vulnerable adults and children are protected, and other vital services such as waste and recycling collections, highways maintenance, flood defences and libraries can continue to be provided. We are determined that the council will be led by local people’s priorities, and not by the state of the economy.
“This is effectively our last chance to secure a sustainable budget, and to deliver on our priorities set out in our Shropshire Plan for a healthy population, a healthy economy and a healthy environment, supported by a healthy, well-run council.
“If we fail to do this, we will have financial control imposed upon us by Government-appointed commissioners. They will have no understanding of Shropshire’s residents, and no interest in the future.
“We will take some unpopular decisions, but this will be about delivering our services better and more efficiently.
“For example, our Stepping Stones project will provide safe care for vulnerable children, but at lower cost; assistive technology will help people to continue to receive care at home but with less need for carers. We would stop altogether the use of B&B accommodation to house people who are temporarily homeless.”
Shropshire Council said pressures continue to mount on services, particularly social care, which accounts for 78% of the budget, while new pressures linked to the cost of living are seeing further demand for support and services from residents.
There are likely to be increased fees and charges for certain services – including for car parking and charging for green waste collections during 2024.
The proposals will be subject to public consultations, and Full Council will meet on Thursday 2 March 2023 when the budget must be agreed.