COUNCIL tax is set to rise by almost five per cent in Shropshire next year, while charges may be introduced on green bins in 2024 to try to tackle the council's budget shortfall.

Shropshire Council intends to increase council tax by 4.99 per cent from April 2023, which it says is in line with expectations from central government.

The increase will be equivalent to £1.38 a week for the average Band C household in the county.

And the authority is also planning new money-raising schemes, including higher parking charges and introducing a fee for domestic green waste bins from 2024.

The moves are part of a package of measures to save £244 million over the next four years.

Shropshire Council leader Councillor Lezley Picton, said increased efficiency in the unitary authority would help ensure public services would be protected.

She added: "We recognise that many people are struggling with their day-to-day bills and being asked to pay more is a very difficult decision, and we know that most other councils are in the same position.

"But these proposals will enable us to ensure that vulnerable adults and children are protected, other vital services such as waste collection, highways maintenance and flood defences and libraries can continue to be provided.

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"We are determined that the council will be led by local peoples' priorities and not by the state of the economy.

"This is effectively our last chance to secure a sustainable budget, to deliver on our priorities set out in our Shropshire Plan for a healthy population, a healthy economy and a healthy environment, supported by a healthy, well-run council."

Cllr Picton added: "If we fail to do this, we will have financial control imposed upon us by government-appointed commissioners.

"They will have no understanding of Shropshire’s residents, and no interest in the future.

"We will take some unpopular decisions, but this will be about delivering our services better and more efficiently.

"For example, our Stepping Stones project will provide safe care for vulnerable children, but at lower cost, assistive technology will help people to continue to receive care at home but with less need for carers or stopping altogether the use of B&B accommodation to house people who are temporarily homeless."

Currently, there is an increase in demand for services, particularly social care.

The proposals will be subject to public consultation and the final proposals will go to the budget in February next year when the budget must bee agreed.