Views sought on tackling Shropshire Council's £59m budget shortfall
Members of the public are being asked for their views on Shropshire Council's budget.
The council, which is facing a five year shortfall of more than £59 million, is seeking the opinions of residents and organisations on its budget for 2018/19, which runs from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019.
The council recently announced that it planned to purchase Shrewsbury's three shopping centres in a bid to generate income.
It is also planning to increase council tax by 5.99 per cent.
The budget consultation provides local people and organisations with the opportunity to tell the council what they think about the specific proposals outlined in the financial strategy for 2018/19.
The proposals aim to help address the difference between the limited funding the council receives, and the increasing cost of providing services up until 2020/21.
David Minnery, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for finance, said: “As a result of substantial government funding reductions, we need to significantly reduce our budget and make unprecedented changes to our services.
“Over the next five years Shropshire Council is facing a budget shortfall of around £59.3m. Putting it simply, our income has fallen due to government cuts, whilst demand for our vital services that protect some of our most vulnerable has increased.
“We’ve identified many solutions for next year, including investing in capital projects, like the purchasing of the three shopping centres in Shrewsbury, which generate a return on investment.
“Please take a few minutes to find out more about our proposed savings, and let us know what you think.”
To take part visit the Shropshire Council website. The deadline for responses is February 21.
The results of the consultation will be presented to the council and help inform councillors when they meet to set the council’s budget on Thursday, February 22.
