'Projects require investment and borrowing they can't afford' - Lib Dems no longer support Shropshire Council's budget

Last autumn, the council allowed all of the group leaders to see and assess the true financial situation as part of a budget collaboration.

However, the Liberal Democrats says it can no longer be part of the process, saying they ‘have been backed down a cul-de-sac with few alternative options for front line savings’.

“Working cross-party to find a way through this very serious financial position on Shropshire Council is an experience which has been both useful and frustrating,” said joint-group leader, Councillor Heather Kidd, who represents Chirbury and Worthen.

“Useful because we were able to see the situation unfolding and frustrating because a number of past decisions (North West Relief Road and the shopping centres rebuild) put the precarious budget under even greater threat.

“Budget issues are not new, and it is a great pity we did not start this way of working with the new council in 2021.

“Continuing with these projects will require ongoing investment and borrowing which the council simply can’t afford.

“The MediumTerm Financial Strategy (MTFS) now is emphasising this year’s financial problem being down to the Labour Government’s shift away from rural funding.

Fellow co-leader Councillor Roger Evans, who represents Longden, added that many of Shropshire Council’s problems ‘were self-made’, and made worse by 14 years of cutbacks in local government funding by the previous Conservative government.

“That past government has also, bit by bit, relied on council tax paying for social care,” said Cllr Evans.

“Shropshire pays around 80% of our budget on that. We have a greater than average elderly population and so the costs are high.

“Had Shropshire Council invested its money on things which would reduce our overall spend then we may not be facing more years of cuts and savings.

“The refusal to come up with options for savings, details of service reductions and pressing ahead with the North West Relief Road (despite audit’s criticisms) mean that the Liberal Democrats can no longer support the budget for this coming year. We now withdraw from the process.”

In response, Cllr Picton said she was disappointed ‘but not surprised’ by the Lib Dems’ decision.

“However, I am surprised at the contents, much of which is confused but I’m used to this confusion now, it happens so often,” said Cllr Picton.

“Many of the matters they raise in the letter were not raised during our meetings. It is one thing to state you require more information but asking for the information would have been a good start, this they did not do.

“In addition, throughout the process they did not offer any alternative suggestions for savings so to say they were ‘backed into a corner’ is untrue and unfair. This is typical of the Lib Dems, constantly knocking but with no ideas of their own.

“What this does reveal is that, whilst the Liberal Democrat group readily acknowledge the financial difficulties Shropshire Council faces, this shows that they simply don’t (or do not want to) understand the scale of the challenges we face and the difficult decisions we have to take.

“The increased demand for our services, especially for those who are most vulnerable, will continue, yet I have not heard a single word or suggestion as to how they intend to deal with these financial pressures, a situation that this Conservative administration have been dealing with since we took over in May 2021.

“Leading the council inevitably means having to make difficult decisions, we are making difficult decisions to ensure the financial survival and stability of Shropshire Council. We, are looking to the future, they continue to dwell on the past. We will deal with these issues in the usual manner through the budget process at council on February 27.”