Shifnal Town Council approves precept increase
Shifnal Town Council has announced a rise in the council tax precept for the upcoming financial year following a detailed review of the local budget.
The decision, which was formalised during a meeting on 9th February, will see a typical Band D property pay an additional £21.30 per year, which breaks down to an increase of approximately £1.78 per month.
The Mayor of Shifnal, Paul Williamson, has stressed that the move was not a decision made lightly. When initial proposals were first presented, councillors rejected them and instructed officers to identify further savings to keep the burden on residents to an absolute minimum. However, after an exhaustive review of the accounts, the council concluded that an increase was unavoidable if they were to responsibly manage the town's assets and protect essential services during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Public feedback played a significant role in the final budgetary outcome. Following a survey conducted over December and January, the council found that an overwhelming majority of respondents supported the ambition to improve local standards. Residents indicated a willingness to accept a modest increase in the precept to fund the devolution of services from Shropshire Council, ensuring that the town is better maintained than it has been under county-level control.
The council has clarified that this hike is exceptional and does not indicate a long-term trend, noting that for several years the precept remained static or only increased by one per cent. The new funding is specifically required to sustain a wide range of local provisions that many other towns do not offer. These include the fully funded Shifnal Shuttle Service, the town library, the cemetery, allotments, and various public parks. It also ensures the continuation of popular community traditions such as the Scarecrow Festival and the annual Christmas lights display.
Addressing concerns regarding "double taxation," the Mayor explained that while residents pay both Shropshire Council and the Town Council, the county authority is under severe financial pressure and must prioritise statutory social care. By taking local control over street cleaning, litter picking, and grounds maintenance, the Town Council aims to provide a more responsive service. Decisions regarding the town's appearance and maintenance will now be made locally by councillors who are directly accountable to the people of Shifnal.
