Shropshire Star comment: How can they pull the plug?
Shropshire Council increasingly expects voluntary groups and communities to take over the running of things that council tax payers thought they were paying the council to do.
Now that whole sector of local heroes faces the prospect of being kicked in the teeth.
While the council can find tens of millions of pounds to acquire a shopping centre empire in Shrewsbury, a move which has been met with incredulity by some Salopians, it may soon withdraw, in whole or in part, the financial helping hand those worthy groups receive through discretionary rate relief.
This would hit village halls, scout groups, not-for-profit organisations and the like, all of whom need every penny they can get. The council has sent out a letter giving them the required one year’s notice that the relief is potentially going to be reduced or scrapped altogether from April 1, 2019.
If only it were an April Fool’s hoax.
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This is like the Shropshire Star’s Cash For Your Community scheme, but in total reverse. Instead of giving that extra financial help which can make all the difference to the community groups and schemes up and down the county, the council may reach into their pockets to help fill its own coffers.
Among those affected is the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust, a charitable trust based at the old Abbey Station. Its story will be typical. It has been created and sustained by the enthusiasm of volunteers, provides something of value to the community and enhances the county town as a destination with diverse attractions, and now it faces a huge setback. David Morris of the trust sees it as them being penalised for what they have done. Penalised for doing good work? Surely this cannot be the aim of the council?
All the efforts of volunteers, enthusiasts, and community groups across Shropshire are an example of what David Cameron called the Big Society. The Big Society is a good thing which needs to be supported, as it is also financially fragile.
Typically they just about cover their costs, and in doing that they are quite likely to face challenges even in the best of times.
If Shropshire Council is serious about encouraging community groups and so on, delivering them this financial blow is illogical and counter-productive.
The council will plead of course that it is under financial pressure, but this is not just about money, but about the part the council sees itself playing in the life of the county. Councillors need to ask themselves a question. Are we community builders? Or are we community destroyers?
