Shropshire council tax increase proposal reduced by one per cent

The proposal will go to a meeting of full council on Thursday, February 25, where Shropshire Council will set its budget for 2021/22.

The proposed 3.99 per cent increase in council tax would add an extra 83p per week for the average Band D Shropshire home’s bill.

The Government’s calculations of ‘council spending power’ assume that Shropshire would increase council tax by 4.99 per cent in 2021/22, made up of a 1.99 per cent rise in general council tax and a three per cent adult social care precept – extra council tax to be spent entirely on adult social care.

But, councils can choose to bring in the adult social care precept over a longer period rather than all in one year.

Council Leader Peter Nutting has opted for the lower increase of 3.99 per cent

The £1.6m shortfall created by deferring the rise will be paid from reserves.

The council said the outstanding one per cent will be added to council tax bills in 2022/23.

Councillor Nutting said: “This approach will generate an extra £3.2 million in the next year ring-fenced for adult social care – a key area for Shropshire due to an ever-growing ageing population needs continued support and investment.

“This would fund the equivalent of an extra 77 new beds in a nursing home for a year, or provide 150 more people with the average 21 hours a week home care support they need.

“However, we recognise that due to the pandemic, many people are finding times very tough financially. This proposal will spread the increase the Government expects we will make over a longer time, providing some help on the pressure many will feel due to rising household bills, including council tax.

“If anyone is facing real financial hardship, particularly due to the pandemic, I would urge them to contact the council, as there is some help that may be available, either via www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus or on 0345 678 9078.”