Telford & Wrekin Council approves budget to protect the most vulnerable
Telford & Wrekin Council has approved a landmark budget for the 2026/27 financial year, pledging that 70p of every pound spent will be dedicated to supporting the borough’s most vulnerable residents.
The decision, reached during a full council meeting on Thursday evening, balances a significant £150 million investment in social care with a robust capital programme aimed at long-term regeneration and infrastructure.
The ambitious fiscal plan outlines over £88 million for the delivery of high-quality housing through Nuplace and Telford & Wrekin Homes. This includes the local authority’s first-ever dedicated housing scheme for veterans. Education and transport also sit at the heart of the proposal, with £41 million earmarked for school expansions and additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) places, alongside a substantial £103 million investment in the borough’s transport and highways network.
Community facilities are set for a major boost, as the council confirmed £16.3 million for leisure and cultural projects, including the construction of a new swimming pool and upgrades to the Telford Town Park amphitheatre. Regional regeneration remains a priority, with over £56 million allocated to revitalise Oakengates, Wellington, the Station Quarter, and Telford Theatre. Furthermore, a £22 million 'Pride in Place' programme will focus on driving improvements within the Woodside, Sutton Hill, and Brookside communities.
Beyond large-scale infrastructure, the budget incorporates several targeted initiatives designed to improve daily life for residents. These include £250,000 for the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal to help establish Telford’s first dedicated cancer treatment centre and £200,000 to expand the grit bin network to 1,000 units, equipped with smart sensors to monitor salt levels. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to the Royal British Legion’s 'Credit their Service' campaign and announced plans to introduce a £2 single fare cap on all bus journeys across the borough.
To fund these essential services and investments, councillors approved an average Council Tax increase of £1.20 per week. Despite this 4.99% rise, which includes the 2% Adult Social Care precept, residents in Telford and Wrekin will continue to benefit from the lowest Council Tax rates in the Midlands and some of the lowest in the United Kingdom. The local authority also confirmed it would maintain popular services such as free green waste collections and free parking at most council-owned sites.
Councillor Zona Hannington, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Governance and Customer Services, said: “This is a budget driven by values, not just numbers. By directing 70 pence of every pound we spend towards supporting our most vulnerable residents, we are making a clear statement about what matters most in our borough. This budget safeguards essential services that people rely on today, while investing boldly in the homes, communities and opportunities that will secure a stronger, fairer future for generations to come.”
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, added: “This Budget is about protecting the people who rely on us most while continuing to build a better Borough for everyone. We are investing 70 pence of every pound directly into supporting our most vulnerable residents because that is our responsibility, and our priority.
“With an increase of 4.99%, including the 2% ASC precept, the average Band B home in the Borough will pay £1.20 per week more, but will continue to pay the lowest council tax in the Midlands, and one of the lowest anywhere in the country.
“Despite rising demand and national pressures, we have delivered a Budget that safeguards essential services and backs the homes, communities and infrastructure that will shape our future. This is a Budget that protects today and invests in tomorrow.”
