We face a fight to save services, warns new Shropshire Council leader Malcolm Pate

Councillor Malcolm Pate, officially installed as leader last week, said the authority would need to raise its own funds to support vulnerable people and provide services the public want.

His warning, which came as part of his new year message to residents, said the ability to maintain services would rely on co-operation with voluntary organisations and the private sector.

He said: "The new year is going to be a very challenging time for the council because the unprecedented scale of cuts from the Government are of a magnitude never seen before. It is clear that over the life of this Parliament, councils will have to become largely self-sufficient, raising their own income locally to provide the services vulnerable people need, and in addition the services that local people want."

Councillor Pate, who represents Albrighton, is leading the council's attempts to cut £77 million from its budget over the next five years. Only this week it was revealed that the authority needs to save £32 million from its 2015/16 budget.

Councillor Pate said the authority needed to develop the county economy to bring jobs, prosperity and to increase wage levels.

He said: "As the public sector shrinks, it is important now, more than ever, that we work together in partnership.

"Shropshire Council will be working hard to create fantastic relationships between ourselves, other public sector organisations, the private sector, voluntary sector, town and parish councils, communities and individuals. We can build upon the resilience Shropshire is noted for.

"We will be working with the many entrepreneurs and businesses who are part of making Shropshire a special place by creating the growth we need in the sectors and businesses that are right for Shropshire."