The latest meeting of the Shropshire Full Council on February 26, 2026, served as a grim confirmation of the managed decline currently overseen by the Liberal Democrat administration. Against a backdrop of a declared financial emergency, the administration pushed through a staggering 8.99% council tax hike—a move described as a shake-down of residents already struggling with the cost of living.
The Fiscal Fires of Failed Governance
There has been a total failure to control key budgets, leading to a projected £50.7 million overspend in social care and transport. I have personally witnessed repeated reports at the Strategic Trrnsformation and Oversight Committee of widening deficits.
To plug this chasm, the Liberal Democrats have requested £121 million in “Exceptional Financial Support” from the government. Taking out such a massive loan to cover daily running costs is exactly like lending a gambler money to play on the fruit machine—it merely subsidizes the next loss while saddling future generations with the interest.
In his speech regarding the 2026/27 budget, Councillor Dan Thomas expressed strong opposition to what he described as the largest council tax increase in Shropshire Council’s history. He emphasized the severe impact this would have on residents, particularly families and pensioners already struggling with rising costs.
The core points of his argument included:
- The “Rural Penalty”: Councillor Thomas argued that the financial crisis is primarily a result of a “fundamentally unfair” government settlement. He pointed out that urban councils receive 41% more funding per head than rural authorities like Shropshire, describing this disparity as a “rural penalty imposed from Westminster”.
- Defence of Conservative Record: He defended the previous Conservative administration’s record, noting they had frozen council tax for several years while still adding £18 million to financial reserves and maintaining essential services through efficiency. He claimed that in the last financial year, the council was recognized for saving more than any other authority in the West Midlands.
- Critique of Borrowing and Scrapped Projects: Councillor Thomas raised concerns about the long-term costs of the emergency financial support package, which he argued would burden future generations. He also criticized the decision to scrap the Northwest Relief Road (NWRR) while continuing with the North Oxon Link Road, labelling the latter a “road to nowhere” that leaves residents with inflated budgets but no relief from congestion.
- While acknowledging that the budget was developed by a cross-party working group—which the Conservatives participated in to support the people of Shropshire—he concluded that the group cannot support the proposed tax increase
Edward Bird - Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford 