Telford & Wrekin council tax to rise 3.2 per cent

The council held a four-week public consultation after announcing it has to make £30 million of cuts over the next two years, following a 20 per cent cut to its Government grant next year.

The council's cabinet approved the budget proposals during a meeting at Addenbrooke House last night, including a rise in council tax of 3.2 per cent in 2016/17.

Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for business, neighbourhood and customer services, said the consultation had been "first class" and the authority had taken on board public opinion.

He also added that parish and town councils, along with voluntary organisations, had "fallen over themselves" to help save and enhance some services.

Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for adult social care, said the council was continuing in adult social care to find different methods of working to improve people's quality of life and make savings.

The budget will now be discussed at a meeting of the full council next Thursday before it is given final approval.

Meanwhile, Shropshire Council may be putting up council tax and cutting millions of pounds from its budget – but it is planning a yearly £25,000 performance-related bonus for its chief executive.

The authority agreed its financial strategy at its full council meeting on Thursday, including plans to cut funding for museums and leisure centres completely, and to increase council tax by 3.99 per cent.

The move means the average Band D homeowner will see council tax increase by £46.47 a year. However, although not mentioned at the meeting, the council is proposing an annual £25,000 performance-related bonus for its chief executive Clive Wright.

The move would mean that the pay for the position could increase from £100,980, to £125,980 a year, if targets are met. The recommendation is included in the council's pay and reward policy statement for 2016.