Letter: Is Shropshire Council deficit reducing?
Two reports illustrate the strenuous efforts of the county council to reduce the deficit, this we are told its priority target.
Two reports illustrate the strenuous efforts of the county council to reduce the deficit, this we are told its priority target.
First, Jackie Kelly, for the council, was disappointed it lost a tribunal involving the severance pay to a former employee, a solicitor, which may lead to a six figure bill.
I am disappointed, too, as this is ratepayers' money and the council should have known better and taken more care when the other side is employed in the law.
Next up our worthy leader Keith Barrow, happy the council collected 97.9 per cent of rates due, but barely concerned at failing to collect £5 million.
Rates as a tax are a priority charge in cases of insolvency, any shortfall unacceptable, but we are told the council is trying harder, it needs to.
Improved efficiency could bring greater benefits than unacceptable cuts in services and increases in charges at every turn.
Similar ongoing reports suggest an independent eye on the workings throughout council, staff and representatives, would prove eye opening and rewarding, and help the council achieve its objective quicker to the satisfaction of the public they serve. Both these cases show the council in a poor light.
J Mayne
Bridgnorth