Telford & Wrekin Council propose council tax rise to help secure services
Telford & Wrekin Council is proposing to increase council tax in the borough from April.
The proposed rise of 1.9 per cent is equivalent to 32 pence a week for the average borough Band B home.
The Council, which has the third lowest council tax in the Midlands, proposes the increase, echoing views already expressed by borough residents when the majority of those who responded to a consultation last year supported a council tax increase to help protect services.
The council says despite facing a budget gap of £10 million next year its plans focus on what it can continue to do and invest in - and the services that should be priorities - rather than just where it must cut services.
Among the key plans for the coming year are the £250 million Southwater development, which will complete a key phase in 2013.
The council will also continue to regenerate parts of the borough such as Brookside and Hadley and transform secondary schools through the Building Schools for the Future programme – the new Phoenix School will open in the coming year while work will start on the new Ercall Wood Technology College.
A major multi million pound and stability scheme in the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the borough’s biggest tourist attraction will also get underway.
The Council is set to lobby Government hard for a fair deal for Telford & Wrekin which it says sees the area missing out on around an £8.8 million this year.
Cllr Bill McClements, cabinet member for Resources and Service Delivery, said: “Our budget plans focus clearly on what we want to do to create the jobs and growth that the borough so badly needs.
“Last year we spoke with thousands of residents about our plans and asked them if we should increase council tax and two thirds of people said we should.
“Over the last few years this council has done more than most to make savings by cutting 850 jobs, more than halving the number of senior managers, reducing the number of offices it has by a third, cutting back offices costs by over a third, buying at better value and by charging more some services.
“This has helped us save £42 million over the last four years, but we can’t simply keep on cutting. We must now look to the measures to help create new jobs and growth in our borough’s economy and we look forward to people giving us their views on the plans.”
The Council is consulting on its proposals until February 10 and people can give their views in a variety of ways including via www.telford.gov.uk/budget or by attending a range of special budget consultation events including one at the Place, Oakengates on January 16. Residents are encouraged to register their attendance by contacting the council by telephoning 01952 382131 or emailing yourviewsmatter@telford.gov.uk
