Telford & Wrekin Council video highlights stark budget challenges

https://www.youtube.com/embed/gIRWRh02uZQ?rel=0

Telford & Wrekin Council has published a video which outlines the stark reality of its budgetary position and the tough challenges it faces going forward.

The animated clip highlights that the council needs to cut a further £30m over the next three financial years, despite having already had £80m cut from its budget.

It also urges the public to come forward with ideas on how the council can save more money.

The video has been published ahead of the council’s budget consultation which runs from January 8 until February 8, including two public events at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place on January 19.

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Finance, said: “This is a video which clearly explains to people the very tough financial climate we face.

“We have strived to protect the public from feeling the impact of the worst of the cuts so far but we have already said that there is very little we can do to prevent frontline services being hit this time.

“We have been doing our best to generate new income including selling services to external clients, setting up a solar farm and building quality rental properties for the private market. While all this helps, unfortunately it won’t be enough to avoid cuts which will have consequences on our community.

“The video demonstrates the huge range of services that the council provides despite reducing its staff by almost 1,300, including a cut of almost 60 per cent in our senior management team.

“It also highlights the many ways in which people can help us reduce our costs and encourage people to come forward with more new ideas.”

Details of how people can get involved in the budget consultation will be made public early in the New Year along with details of how the Council proposes to make the cuts it must find.