Telford taxpayers can give views on £25m cost cuts

Wednesday 12th January 2011, 10:18AM GMT.

Telford taxpayers will get the chance to have a say on plans to slash services as part of a £25 million cost-cutting drive.

Telford residents have until the middle of next month to comment on controversial proposals from the borough council’s ruling cabinet last night.

The Tory-controlled council has drawn up plans for massive savings in the next four years – £12 million worth next year alone – in the face of a 27 per cent cut in Government funding.

Opposition Labour group leader Councillor Keith Austin has branded the cuts “too deep, too soon” and called for the council to lobby the government for more cash.

Things like overnight streetlighting, grass cutting, road and pavement repairs, subsidised bus services and traffic management are in line for cuts.

Public recycling points on pub and supermarket car parks would also go; parents would be asked to opt into the free school milk scheme and charges for council car parks at Ironbridge and next to the Telford Town Park would rise by up to 20p.

The plans would, however, safeguard massive public spending projects like the Southwater redevelopment.

Residents can give their views at www.telford.gov.uk/spendandsave

Details on the budget are at www.telford.gov.uk/yourmoneyyourviews

View more: Telford & Wrekin Council news.