Cabinet welcomes £5m to £7m extra for annual budget

But you’ll still be asked to cough up an extra 5% if plans to increase the council tax are approved at full council later this year.

Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet met last night, and the budget was high on the agenda.

Cllr Zona Hannington (LAB) told the cabinet that a boost in the money from government was down to Telford’s share of the £600m Recovery Grant which is related to depravation in the borough.

The proposed increase is the most that a council can apply without a local referendum and includes 2% ring-fenced for Adult Social Care which at £118m soaks up around 70% of the entire council budget.

Cllr Harrington explained that the proposed increase in council tax is equivalent to £1.15 per week for a property in band B.

“I can understand why the increase has to remain at 5%…but for some people, even this 69p increase adds up.” Cllr Tomlinson (LIBDEM) commented.

Leader of the Council Cllr Lee Carter (LAB) reminded the cabinet that this has to go to public consultation and it’s there for anyone to contribute ideas for saving money.

Pic: Telford Live