Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget plans, which include freezing general council tax increases at 0% for the next two years, were given the green light at last night’s Full Council meeting.
At the meeting, held at The Place Theatre in Oakengates last night (Thursday 3 March), members approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy which sets out the authority’s spending plan for the next two years.
Councillor Rae Evans, cabinet member for finance, governance and customer services, presented the final version of the strategy and recommended it for approval based on feedback received from local partners and stakeholders, businesses, town and parish councils, residents and voluntary and community groups.
Councillor Rae Evans (Labour) said: “At the beginning of January, we announced our proposal to freeze any increases to general council tax for the next two years. Throughout the four-week consultation period that followed, 94% of people who fed back said they were in favour of the plans, so our Cabinet listened and recommended the plan for approval.
“Last night, Members also voted in favour of the plans, showing that we truly are on the side of our residents and businesses in Telford and Wrekin. As a result, people living in the borough will be paying the lowest council tax in the Midlands for the fifth consecutive year, at the same time as continuing to receive excellent services.”
Council Leader Shaun Davies (Labour), added: “This commitment to freeze the general council tax increase will cost the council£4.6 million over the next two years, but our track record of strong financial management means we are in a position to keep the level of council tax to an absolute minimum and continue to invest in creating a better borough.
“We know that many local people are struggling as a result of rising food and energy bills so this budget, for the next two years, is designed to support our residents and businesses and show that we are firmly on their side.”
“Alongside the freeze on general council tax, there will bean increase of 1% in the Adult Social Care precept, which the government expects all councils to make. For the average Band B property in Telford and Wrekin, this equates to an extra 21p per week, to help to protect some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.”
The approved Medium Term Financial Strategy also includes commitments to invest:
- An extra £5.5 million to look after our most vulnerable children and adults, making a total budget of over £90 million for 2022/23
- £37 million in the Telford Growth Fund, to protect existing jobs in the borough and attract new ones
- £35 million on roads, pavements, cycle paths and other transport and highways projects to keep the borough moving,
- £30 million for affordable housing and new homes, including £20 million for Nuplace
- £20 million in projects that matter most to residents
- £8.5 million on climate change, including green spaces and environmental improvements