Telford council needs to save another £30 million in next three years
Another £30 million will need to be cut from Telford & Wrekin Council's budget over the next three years – despite cuts of more than £100 million already.
The figures are revealed in the authority's latest financial report, which states that the council underspent on its £121 million budget for 2017/18 budget by £150,000.
The report, which will be considered by the council's cabinet next Thursday also sets out areas for council spending over the coming year.
It includes £600,000 to be spent on developing safer routes to schools, £350,000 for an inquiry into child sexual abuse in the borough, £300,000 for extra residents' parking spaces, and £200,000 for replacing and cleaning road signs.
Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for finance, said the authority was pleased with the way it had handled its financial constraints but was bracing itself for more challenges in the coming year.
He said: “This is a very positive report which identifies a number of one-off investment to benefit the community, including £600,000 to further develop safer school routes.
“This council has a long and outstanding track record of sound financial management which reflects the hard work of cabinet members actively working with budget holders across the organisation in order to deliver our priorities in the light of ever greater financial challenges.
“The council faces another very challenging year in 2018/19 as the whole issue of how local government is funding continues to come under scrutiny and pressure.
“Nevertheless, we can be encouraged by our end of year figures and we will continue to strive to make further savings by delivering services in different and better ways and by working closely in partnership with both our community and the whole spectrum of partner agencies.”
The report shows that despite an overall underspend for 2017/18, there was a £3million overspend in the children's safeguarding and early help department.
Under the spending plans for 2018/19, £100,000 will be used to open Southwater Library to be opened on from 11am to 4pm on Sundays for two years, and £90,000 will go towards LED lighting replacement for Darby House and the ice rink.
