Telford & Wrekin Council won public support for an inflation-busting 4.3 per cent council tax rise at a Question Time event held in Oakengates Theatre.

After hearing from Councillor Andrew Eade, leader of the Tory-run council, the audience took part in an electronic vote on the proposed budget for the 2008/9 financial year.

A total of 117 people gave their views on the intended 4.3 per cent council tax rise – an extra 65p a week for most residents – along with a package of investments and £3 million of savings.

The results showed 41.9 per cent supported the plans to some extent, with a further 16.2 per cent strongly supporting them.

Thirty-five per cent did not support the budget, while 6.8 per cent did not know.

After the meeting, Councillor Eade said: “This result – with 58 per cent supporting us to at least some extent – is in line with what we have found across the community.

“People generally accept the council tax level and our plans to reduce it progressively over the next three years.”

Last night’s session at The Place was jointly organised by Telford & Wrekin Council and BBC Radio Shropshire, and compered by presenter Eric Smith.

The panel comprised Councillor Eade, cabinet member for resources Councillor Adrian Lawrence, Labour group leader Councillor Keith Austin, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Nick Graham, council chief executive Steve Wellings, and director of resources Victor Brownlees.

They were quizzed on issues including the West Midlands city region, affordable housing, racism in schools and recycling plastics.

Resident Pauline Jones asked why it was taking so long for Leegomery Centre – destroyed by fire in 2005 – to be replaced.

Councillors Eade and Austin both said the delay was unsatisfactory but there had been objections from residents and disagreements within the council over the proposed plans.

Planning permission had now been granted and demolition work was due to start early next month, he added.

To hear last night’s debate, visit www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire 

By Peter Johnson