Council closing in on 拢51.4m spending cuts target

Image caption, Shropshire Council has set itself a target of cutting 拢51.4m from its budget
At a glance
  • Shropshire Council saved 拢38m by the end of September
  • A report said a further 拢8.2m could be saved by April
  • It is aiming to cut its budget by 拢51.4m by the end of the financial year
  • Author, Keri Trigg
  • Role, Local Democracy Reporting Service

Further work needs to be done for Shropshire Council to meet its 拢51.4m savings target, but it believes it is on course to achieve most of it.

A report to councillors said 拢38m had been saved by the end of September and another 拢8.2m could be saved by the end of the financial year.

The report also warned it was facing growing demand for social care spending.

James Walton, director of resources, said adjustments would be made and residents would reap聽the rewards for many years to come.

Mr Walton also said the council would identify short-term funding to meet a 拢20.5m extra demand in social care costs while long-term plans to reduce demand are implemented.

The council is therefore working on the assumption that it will be left with a 拢3.6m overspend by next April, which will need to be funded by reserves.

Gwilym Butler, cabinet member for resources, said: 鈥淭he spending reductions identified so far are greater than we have ever achieved before."

The report will be discussed by the authority鈥檚 transformation and improvement scrutiny committee on 15 November, and by cabinet after that.