MP Daniel Kawczynski is challenging the Government over restrictions being faced by Shrewsbury Town Council as it aims to compete with private businesses for work.

The Shrewsbury MP said the authority was facing missing out on contracts for maintaining the grounds of schools and green spaces in the town to private businesses which were bidding for the work.

After hearing the concerns of town clerk Helen Ball and council leader Peter Nutting during a meeting at the Guildhall, Mr Kawczynski has lobbied the Government to outline the restrictions that the council is facing.

The council’s main operations are grounds maintenance of own assets and those of Shropshire Council.

The MP said the authority also services the grounds of many local schools, which after seeing the council provide excellent value for money, have extended their initial contracts.

The problem has arisen after businesses from outside Shrewsbury have approached the council to bid for work in their areas. Current legislation does not allow the town council to compete for such work, as it does not afford council’s the ‘power to trade’.

Mr Kawczynski said: “As the Government takes the difficult but necessary decision to reduce resources given to local councils, town authorities are rightly being asked to look at alternative sources of funding to support the delivery of services.

“Being able to trade is key to that process.

“Shrewsbury Town Council is the largest authority of its type in the country and it does an important job of looking after Shrewsbury. I will make all the necessary representations to Government in order that legislation does not restrict it from fulfilling its potential due to its size and capability.”

The Government’s Localism Bill is proposed to shift power from central government back to individuals, communities and councils.

Under the Community Right to Challenge provision, voluntary and community groups, parish councils and local authority staff will be able to challenge to take over the running of local public services.

By Russell Roberts