Extra care cash hope after threat by Shropshire MPs

County MPs Daniel Kawczynski and Philip Dunne have both welcomed the prospect of increased funding in the local government finance bill, which was being voted on by Parliament today.

Mr Kawczynski last week threatened to vote against the government on the bill, which provides money for councils across the country.

The Shrewsbury MP said the efforts of himself and colleagues who were prepared to vote against the government had secured important concessions.

However, he said last night he would not make a final decision on whether to support the government until he had spoken with members of Shropshire Council.

He said: “There is currently a £10 million black hole in Shropshire’s budget because of adult social care costs. It is vitally important that Shropshire has both the funding and the ability to address these pressures.

“With this in mind I joined forces with other Conservative MPs and led a delegation to meet with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, to highlight these concerns and to ask for additional resources. Despite the very tight financial budget of the department we have managed to negotiate three important elements to the Local Government Finance Settlement, which is now in year three of the four-year offer made to councils in 2016.

“While not addressing all of Shropshire Council’s immediate requirements, these agreements will hopefully make significant progress in addressing meeting short to medium-term goals.”

Mr Dunne, who is chairman of the all-party group on rural services, said he was pleased the government had listened.

He said: “I am pleased they have responded by providing some additional funding.

“Some of the money will come through the rural services delivery grant, to support those communities with a sparse population, Shropshire will be getting a reasonable amount from that, which nationally amounts to £16 million.”

“In addition, there will be a £150 million increase as well in social care. I don’t have the exact amount, but I understand it will be a little over £2 million.”

Mr Kawczynski said the government had also agreed to consider including Shropshire in its next pilot for the 100 per cent retention of business rates, and is running a consultation on the future funding of councils.

Mr Dunne said the next priority would be to make the county’s voice heard in the consultation.

“It costs more to deliver services in rural counties,” he said.

“It is important we make that point clear in the discussions about what that formula will be.”

The vote on the local government finance bill was taking place today.