Rob Trigg

Shropshire Council is expected to raise council tax above the government’s usual limit again next year as it tries to address a projected £121m funding gap. An independent CIPFA review attributed the council’s financial difficulties to rising social care costs, council tax freezes from 2010 to 2016, weak financial management, overly ambitious savings targets and the removal of 217 staff posts without a clear operating plan. Council leader Heather Kidd said another increase may be necessary to balance the books and reduce borrowing, while Reform UK blamed Conservative administrations for the crisis. Conservatives rejected the political criticism, arguing that spiralling social care costs are the main cause and that councils across the country face similar pressures. CIPFA issued 22 recommendations, including selling Shirehall, identifying assets for disposal and producing a financial recovery plan.

Shropshire Council has secured the Shrewsbury-to-Market Drayton segment of the number 64 bus route after Arriva could no longer operate it without declining government support, awarding the service to D&G Buses. The Market Drayton-to-Hanley section remains unresolved after Staffordshire County Council was notified only after the tender was completed. Staffordshire officials are now reviewing options to maintain continuity. The route is widely used by students and is one of several bus service adjustments made as local contracts expire.