The cost to taxpayers of employees leaving Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council ahead of the move to a unitary council is £2.5 million, the Chronicle can exclusively reveal.
The ‘astronomical’ figure has come to light after it was requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
The response from Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council shows that so far 35 requests have been received for retirement and voluntary redundancy which are being considered.
The total cost of these applications is given as circa £2.5 million.
The response also states that other compulsory redundancies may arise before SABC folds in April to make way for the new Shropshire Council.
SABC will be absorbed, along with four other districts and Shropshire County Council, into the new unitary authority.
The news has raised fears that borough residents will have to foot the bill for the pay-offs which have been criticised by Councillor Judith Williams, SABC cabinet member and former borough mayor.
Councillor Williams said: “We’ve been forced to embrace change against the will of the people.
“The cost was always put to us as being a positive as it would save us money. But it would appear now that there are so many long-service staff not offered jobs of a suitable type that the costs will be astronomical.
“Borough residents will foot the majority of the bill.”
Councillor Miles Kenny said: “It’s a staggering amount of money, but I think the business plan took that into account.”
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