Work to implement the devolution of street cleaning services in Shrewsbury from 1 April 2026 is now underway, following Shrewsbury Town Council Ward Members approving plans at the Full Council meeting on Monday 26 January.
Councillors agreed a proposed increase in Shrewsbury Town Council’s council tax precept of £1.27 per household per week, based on a Band B property. This increase will support the transfer and delivery of street cleaning services such as street sweeping, litter picking and litter bin emptying within Shrewsbury. These services are currently provided by Shropshire Council through its environmental contractor.
The decision enables the Town Council to move forward to deliver on its plans, ensuring the organisation is fully prepared and ready to take on the management of services from 1 April. Officers are developing a street cleaning programme, utilising nine full-time operatives working across the whole town to improve and maintain consistent service standards over seven days a week.
To support effective and efficient service delivery, the Town Council will also be investing in new operational equipment, including a 15-tonne road sweeper, a 3.5-tonne Multi-Hog road sweeper, and three side-loader vehicles operating across the north, south and town centre teams.
Work is already underway to strengthen organisational capacity, including governance arrangements, health and safety systems, customer services and operational infrastructure. This will enhance and ensure smooth and seamless transition.
The Town Council will be advertising the new roles created as part of these enhanced services on its website to help deliver the enhanced street cleaning service, creating new employment opportunities locally. The expansion of these services will see the organisation have an additional 14 staff members, both in operational and back office administration roles.
As part of the discussions, Ward Members also approved an amendment proposed by Councillors Dean and Micklewright to allocate funding for 3 years to specifically support residents facing cost-of-living pressures. This funding of £80,000 per year over three years will be set aside to support a new Cost-of-Living partnership project.
Partner organisations will utilise funding made available to directly reduce household costs for residents in Shrewsbury through joint partnership working. Partners will be invited to submit detailed bids for the three-year grant, with initial invitations extended to organisations providing support in areas such as financial advice, energy efficiency and insulation, older people’s services, and community welfare initiatives, alongside other local groups delivering practical help to residents.
Helen Ball, Town Clerk at Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
Preparing for 1 April means putting the right people, equipment and systems in place now. We are already progressing recruitment and operational planning to ensure services are ready to go from day one. These new roles provide fantastic opportunities for local people who want to make a real difference in their community and take pride in helping to keep Shrewsbury cleaner and more welcoming.
Councillor Julian Dean, who represents Porthill Ward, said:
By setting aside £80,000 from the funding, we are recognising the need to support residents affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This funding will allow us to work in partnership with local organisations to deliver practical support that can make a real difference to people’s lives.
Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, Councillor Rob Wilson, added:
This decision is about being prepared and taking responsibility. Doing nothing was not a risk-free option. By agreeing this precept increase, the Town Council is ensuring that from 1 April we are ready to deliver reliable, well-managed street cleaning services for our residents, businesses and visitors.
Local government is under enormous strain, but Shrewsbury Town Council is stepping up and responding to residents’ views. In our public consultation, 71% of respondents highlighted street cleaning as one of their biggest concerns. This approach allows us to invest in people, equipment and systems, while also supporting residents through targeted cost-of-living initiatives.”
The approved budget and precept provide the framework for continued negotiations with Shropshire Council and for final implementation work over the coming weeks. Further updates on recruitment, cost-of-living partnerships and service arrangements will be shared as preparations continue ahead of the 1 April service commencement.