Shropshire Council is asking for views on its budget plans . These will make over £50 million of savings from the Council’s budget and bring it into balance.

Most of the savings proposed will come through a transformation and efficiency programme that will save £50.6 million in the next year, reducing costs while protecting services as far as possible, particularly those for the most vulnerable.

Ongoing impacts of COVID and broader economic conditions, particularly the effects of inflation and rising energy costs, are at the root of the budget challenge facing the council, with inflation alone having a £43 million impact on the council.

Pressures are continuing from increased demand for services, particularly for social care, which accounts for around 75% of the council’s budget, while new pressures linked to the cost of living are seeing more demand for services from residents.

Much of the focus will be on greater efficiencies in services together with some difficult decisions in what is the last chance to achieve a sustainable budget for Shropshire Council.

In line with Government expectations, the council is proposing to increase council tax by 4.99%, which will raise around £10 million. This includes a 2% precept the Government had already assumed it will make to support adult social care. This is equivalent to £1.38 a week for the average household in Shropshire (the local average is band C).

The consultation is open until 30 January 2023 and you can have your say on the link below:

HAVE YOUR SAY: ONLINE BUDGET CONSULTATION