Shropshire Council's worsening financial situation, and its need to consider devolving as yet unidentified services, has the potential to affect communities across the county. In response, Ludlow Town Council is launching a community engagement plan to help inform its approach to Shropshire Council's financial difficulties and to understand our residents' longer-term expectations of their town council.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shropshire Council, Town Councillors have agreed to develop an operational plan focused on delivering improved services and creating an improved environment for residents, visitors, and other stakeholders.

The MoU outlines the principles and areas of cooperation between the two councils, including opportunities to strengthen service delivery and, where appropriate, consider the local devolution of services. Our shared aim is to provide the best possible services in a cost-effective way for our residents.

We have already begun discussions with Shropshire Council to identify areas where Ludlow Town Council may be able to offer additional support. However, residents should be aware that any extra responsibilities taken on by the town council are likely to result in additional costs, which would potentially need to be reflected in the council tax householders pay. It is too early to provide an estimate of costs.

This comes at a challenging time as we prepare the budget for 2026/2027. We are acutely aware of the impact this may have on council tax levels, but we must also consider the wider implications of changes, and a potential reduction in services at the county level, and act in the best interests of our community.

It is therefore essential that we hear from residents about what they want their Town Council to prioritise in the coming years. We will be strengthening our communication through a range of channels, including surveys and community meetings, to ensure everyone can share their views.

Ludlow Town Council's achievements this year reflect our commitment to safety, community support, and continual improvement. We hope residents feel proud of the progress made, including:

• More than doubling Ludlow's CCTV coverage, adding number plate recognition cameras on key routes and extending surveillance far beyond the town centre.
• Refurbishing the Mill Street bus shelter.
• Working in partnership with Hands Together, Ludlow and Shropshire Council to deliver a food resilience project.
• Supporting market traders by improving the infrastructure of Ludlow market; and launching an improved website – www.ludlowmarket.co.uk
• Installing a new audio system to improve sound quality at Town Council meetings.
• Encouraging volunteers to improve the ecology and environment at Henley Road Cemetery and St. John’s Gardens
• Working with local children and community groups to create the beautiful poppy waterfall, symbolising respect, and remembrance.

We will continue to keep residents informed as our discussions with Shropshire Council develop, and in the new year, we will invite you to share your ideas about what matters most to you.

Thank you.