Shropshire Star

Council bucks trend with its budget thanks to 'innovative commercial work'

Telford & Wrekin Council has said its “strong management of budgets” and “innovative commercial work” have kept it in the black while other councils have been asking for government support.

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Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet on Thursday (June 19) approved a report outlining how the authority ended 2024/25 within its planned budget at a time when authorities across the country are overspent by millions with many already receiving financial support from the Government.

Councillor Lee Carter, leader of the council, said: “We continue to operate in very challenging times in local government but thanks to continued strong management of budgets including our innovative commercial work we are proud that Telford & Wrekin Council continues to buck the trend.

“Over the current budget period running for the next four years, we are forecasting a net return of £43 million through our Growth Fund investments in our property investment portfolio whilst we will receive around £7 million return through our housing company, NuPlace.

“This commercial work has helped to ensure that year on year we are able to balance the books during what have been very difficult circumstances for councils. As well as this commercial ambition, the sound financial position is also thanks in no small part to the savings made over the last 15 years.

“This work has ensured we are providing value for money, showing efficiency in how the organisation is run in terms of staffing and property costs and allowing us to retain the lowest council tax in the Midlands for our residents."

Councillor Zona Hannington, cabinet member for finance, governance and customer services, said: “We are under no illusions that local government will continue to face more difficulties as we work to manage budgets, including delivery of statutory social care services, where demand is extremely high.

“We are pleased that over the last 12 months we have delivered children’s services within budget and have also significantly reduced the rate at which net spend for adult social care is increasing as our social care teams continue to work tirelessly to tackle this national issue at a local level."