Borough could see 4.99% council tax hike

Telford and Wrekin Borough Council's share of council tax could rise by 4.99% in the next financial year, to accommodate for financial pressures and the cost of adult social care.

The proposals would see a general council tax increase of 2.99% and a 2% rise in the adult social care precept, costing the average Band B property 69p and 46p respectively per week.

The changes are recommended for approval, as part of the council's medium-term financial strategy, which will be discussed on 6 January.

A consultation on the issue will run from 7 January to 5 February.

Of every £1 the council spends, 75p is allocated to social services.

In November, Telford and Wrekin Council predicted an overspend of almost £4.3m in providing adult social care this financial year, due to rising costs.

If approved, the authority said it was likely it would still have the lowest council tax in the Midlands for the services it provided.

It added that the increase would raise £4.5m towards the additional £7.7m investment required for its adult social care services.

The remaining money would be funded via a combination of savings, such as reductions to staffing budgets, and the uplift to the social care grant.

Its cabinet will agree final recommendations at a full council meeting on 13 February, and final budget decisions will be taken on 27 February.

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