DROITWICH residents’ council tax bills could rise by two per cent this year as the budget passes its first hurdle at Wychavon District Council.
The Executive Board voted through the 2017/18 budget proposals last Wednesday (February 8), which includes £280,000 worth of savings – although there won’t be any cuts to frontline services.
Council chiefs decided against increasing council tax bills by the maximum £5 allowed, and instead the two per cent rise proposed will add just £2.35 a year to a band D bill. The council tax rise will generate an extra £114,000 for the council’s coffers.
The budget proposals also reveal how £79,000 will be taken from the council’s reserves fund to plug a gap in the budget. And £500,000 worth of New Homes Bonus cash, which was going to be used for day-to-day spending, will now be used for investments instead.
As part of Wychavon’s cost saving drive due to Government funding coming to an end by 2021, further savings will be made this year.
This includes £25,000 from efficiency savings, £40,000 from joint-working with Malvern Hills District Council, £40,000 from a review of management structures and £100,000 from joint waste and street cleaning services.
The budget will now go to Full Council on Wednesday, February 22 where councillors will vote on the proposals.
