COUNCIL tax is coming down for residents in the former Oswestry Borough Council area.
It means that Band D householders will see their payments drop by over £50 from £1,216.58 to £1,164.72, bringing them in line with other former district and borough council areas.
Shropshire councillors approved the reduction last week as they agreed to continue the authority’s freeze on its council tax share for the fourth year in a row.
Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said councillors want to help those who are struggling financially, commenting: “I am delighted that we have, yet again, been able to freeze our element of the council tax bill for the fourth year in a row.
“This past year has been tough for many people and I hope this freeze goes some way to helping those who are feeling the squeeze.
“Shropshire residents deserve the best their council can give them, and we owe it to the people of Shropshire to ensure we give them a truly efficient council, offering real value for money, without sacrificing the quality and range of the many important services we offer,” added Cllr Barrow.
The total bill for an average Band D council tax payer in Shropshire will be £1,488.18, made up of: Shropshire Council £1,164.72 (78 per cent), Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service £88.66 (six per cent), West Mercia Police £178.72, (12 per cent), town/parish council £56.08 (four per cent).
This year has also seen the introduction of an online version of the council tax leaflet which explains where the money goes and how to get support. It has been released by Shropshire Council.