WYCHAVON has pledged to spend £13.6 million on providing services to residents in 2025 after the budget was backed by councillors at a meeting last Wednesday (February 26).
Funding to explore ways to increase affordable housing, tackle fly-tipping, and further improve the district’s parks has been unveiled as part of Wychavon’s latest budget.
Councillors approved a 2.5 per cent rise in its council tax precept for residents from April, an annual increase of £3.13 to £128.21 for an average Band D property.
Despite the rise, Wychavon’s share of the bill remains the lowest in Worcestershire and one of the lowest in the country.
Wychavon’s budget included a pledge to invest in Riverside Shopping Centre in Evesham, Droitwich Spa Lido and Droitwich Leisure Centre.
In Droitwich, £550,000 will be spent on replacing the water play in the Lido Park, ££90,000 for path improvement works at Pulley Lane and £103,000 for scaffolding to secure the former Raven Hotel.
The council also announced £736,000 for homelessness prevention and another £50,000 to explore options to increase affordable housing across the district including temporary accommodation.
Wychavon will also use £37,000 for rough sleeper accommodation and £35,000 for domestic abuse accommodation. And £115,000 to identify empty homes, bringing them back into use.
A £250,000 pot is earmarked for further park and open space improvements and another £250,000 for security improvements at such sites across the district. £400,000 will be invested at the ongoing archaeological works at Milestone Ground, Broadway.
The council has set aside £30,000 for biodiversity and identifying new wildlife.
Another £10,000 is set aside to highlight how residents can help tackle fly-tipping, identify hot spots and take action against offenders.
Options to improve car parking at railway stations also features as well as an investigation into the cost of a flood relief scheme aimed at residents.
Lastly, another £1 million has been announced from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to support businesses with skills and growth opportunities.
Wychavon councillor Aaron Powell, responsible for resources, investment, and innovation, said: “The increase actually represents a real terms cut in our funding against inflation.
“This budget recognises the challenges we face, including the shortfall in government support to cover increases in Employers’ National Insurance contributions.
“But it is also fair and promotes investment in the things that matter to our residents.”
