Council Leader’s response to Government Budget Announcement
"I welcome the huge amount of money the government is spending to support the economy and the additional further grants that will be offered to businesses.
“As a business winning business supporting council, we are proud of our record in reducing unemployment and youth unemployment. We stand ready to lead again in doing this but we need support from the government as a key partner in order to be able to make a difference locally.
“I am deeply disappointed that the government's Budget has not provided any further money for adult social care, nor is there a reversal to the 21% cut to capital funding for the borough’s roads. There is no further money to support the safeguarding of children and there is no government grant to local authorities to freeze council tax. It means Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget for next year to be discussed at a meeting of the Full Council tomorrow (Thursday 4 March) will be asking residents to pay more to get less.
“I am deeply frustrated at the bureaucracy surrounding the New Towns Fund announced in today’s Budget. Telford & Wrekin Council put in a compelling case for a grant of £25million based on match funding of £110million. While bids from other areas were successful, we will work hard to understand the reasons behind the government’s not giving money to Telford and Wrekin. I am concerned that the match funding secured is now at risk we will hard to reassure investors who share our vision for the borough.
“Finally, I am disappointed that, in this Budget, the government has missed an opportunity to order a review into the Future Fit reorganisation of hospital services that would see the closure of Telford’s 24 hour A&E and consultant-led Women and Children’s Centre. This strategy needs to be reviewed for a post-pandemic world but it seems the Government is pressing on regardless.”
Councillor Shaun Davies, Leader, Telford & Wrekin Council
