Welcome to my latest Leader Update

Here’s a round-up of some of the latest developments across the council and our beautiful county. I hope it can also help you get involved in shaping the things that matter to you. 

Help shape our budget proposals

Today (12 December 2024), we have launched the budget consultation for 2025/26, to hear the views of as many as you as possible on proposals to overcome our budget challenge.  

We know the proposals in this consultation will have an impact for you all, just as we have seen from the tough choices we have already had to take.  

Savings have already been made from all parts of the council budget in recent years,  however we are sure that further reductions will still be needed.    

Until the Local Government Financial Settlement is received from central Government, its not clear just how far these cuts will need to go.  This is expected in the week beginning 16 December 2024 although the full impact of this won’t be clear until early January.   

The ideas in this consultation will impact on services the council delivers but may not go far enough to deliver the balanced budget it is legally required to set.   

The outcome of this consultation will be considered alongside the total settlement amount to decide the next steps the council must take.   

All political groups on Shropshire Council have agreed to put these ideas for savings into a consultation, for people to have their say.  You can read a joint statement from the group leaders here: Public’s views wanted on possible ideas for budget savings - Shropshire Council Newsroom 

We are looking for feedback on the following proposals, amongst others:  

• Changing park and ride services in Shrewsbury  

• Reducing the frequency of general waste collections  

• Changing to more energy efficient options for streetlighting, and reducing the length of time lights are left on  

• Reducing the opening hours for the museum and castle in Shrewsbury  

The quickest way to take part in the survey is online by clicking on the 'have your say' button below, but if that’s not possible your local library and Shropshire Local hub will be able to help. 

Residents in Whitchurch can take part in the survey at the sports centre whilst the library is being relocated.  

Thank you all for being part of this important conversation, every voice matters as we plan for a healthy future for Shropshire. 

Have your say here

A video update

Please watch this short video, to explain how your feedback can help shape our next steps, as we work towards a more sustainable future. 

Have your say on the future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre

Yesterday (11 December), we launched our consultation inviting you to have your say on the future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre as part of our plans to reduce our spend.

The centre itself is a joint-use facility integral to William Brookes School, which is one of 9 schools that make up The 3-18 Education Trust, a company limited by guarantee.

We currently operate and manage the centre working alongside the Trust to provide community use when the facility is not being used for education purpose and we have done this since 2010.

If agreed, our proposed changes could mean a reduction in community use, although this decision would ultimately rest with William Brookes School and their parent trust, The 3-18 Education Trust, who are currently positively exploring alternative ways of operating the centre.

However, no decisions have yet been made and the consultation will be open for 8 weeks, closing on 5 February 2025.

Please take time to consider the options and complete the consultation survey, which you can access by clicking here

Sign up to receive updates direct to your inbox

You can sign up to receive updates direct to your inbox here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKSHROPSHIRE/subscriber/new or click here to see our open consultations.

I trust that you'll find this update useful, and please share it if you can. Shropshire is such a great place, and we can achieve so much more if we are all working together.