'Difficult decisions' as council tax rise expected

Shaun Davies, the council's Labour leader, said difficult decisions were being made

Council tax is likely to rise across Telford and Wrekin after it was frozen for two years.

Budget proposals for the 2024/25 financial year will be presented to councillors in the new year before public consultation.

Draft papers released last week recommended increasing council tax by 4.99%, meaning the average home in the borough would pay an extra £1.09 per week.

Shaun Davies, Telford and Wrekin Council's Labour leader, said "difficult decisions" were being made due to central government funding.

The authority is still expected to have one of the lowest levels of general council tax after the increase.

The 4.99% rise would bring in about £4m with every pound invested into adult and children’s social care, a spokesperson said.

The draft budget comes after December’s £64bn government settlement, which the council said was lower than anticipated.

'Balancing books'

Mr Davies, who is also chair of the Local Government Association, said: “Balancing the books is proving increasingly difficult for us and for all councils across the country."

In November, he said there was a lack of investment for councils.

Michael Gove, the levelling up secretary, said ministers recognised local authorities were facing challenges.

"That is why we have announced a funding package to ensure they can continue making a difference," he said.