Telford & Wrekin Council faces more cuts to save £3.1m from budget
Telford & Wrekin Council was today preparing itself for more cuts to services as it looks to save a further £3.1million from its budget, it was revealed today.
Council chiefs are blaming reductions in Government grants and say they are now looking at new ways to save money.
The authority is facing a 10 per cent reduction in its grant to support council tax benefit next year.
And it is also shouldering the cost of public health services currently provided by Telford & Wrekin PCT, which will be abolished next April.
The council will take on responsibility for these services which currently cost around £10.4 million, but only expects to receive £7.3m from the Government.
The cuts are due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. A report for the meeting says that continuing pressure on national finances means that further cuts in grants to local government are likely, adding further strain on the council’s budget.
Councillor Bill McClements, council cabinet member for resources, said: “We have already dealt with unprecedented cuts in grant since 2010 and the financial outlook for local government is bleak at a time when demand for many of our services, because of the economic situation, is increasing.
“We are now working up options to help us find new sources of income and for further savings.”
Comments for: "Telford & Wrekin Council faces more cuts to save £3.1m from budget"
Bill
The Council now has a first class opportunity to revitalise the borough town High Streets by imposing punitive rates on greedy landlords who set astronomic rents and leave shops unlet rather than drop their demands.
It's not lack of tenants that is denuding these areas of traders, it's property companies wanting rents at city centre levels rather than something more appropriate to the areas and the communities they serve.
There are many small retailers who would love a presence in these shopping areas but are being prevented because of the rents being asked. Imposing punitive rates on retail premises left empty for more than 3 months will soon focus the landlords on getting tenants in at sensible rents rather than sitting on their wallets!
Kelly
The cuts to council tax benefits must happen. We cannot simply keep throwing money at the unproductive and useless.