WYCHAVON District Council’s Executive Board recommended a council tax freeze for the second year running as it outlined its promises for the forthcoming 12 months, writes Henri Bujard.
It means a band D homeowner would pay £120.08 for services from Wychavon, which last year had the eighth lowest district council precept in the country.
Among the 11 pledges were to invest £200,000 over three years to support children eligible for free school meal meals and improve their families’ quality of life.
The authority will also spend £200,000 on play areas, equipment and paths in parks and introduce 20 additional electric vehicle charging points in car parks throughout the district. Businesses, developers and other organisations would be encouraged to also install more points.
Delivering the first phase of the tourism action plan is also a target, which will be done by producing a targeted marketing plan. Networking events will be organised for businesses, journalists and group travel organisers by March 31, 2021.
The council also committed to improving the design quality of new buildings through the creation of an urban designer role.
A fund of £150,000 will be invested in town centres to secure their long-term futures and units will be built so they could be rented out to small businesses as part of a ‘Wychavon Hub’.
More paths for cyclists and pedestrians are planned and a three-year programme of funding, mentoring and advising will be created to improve a range of community-led rural transport options.
And the council will work with the Worcestershire Pollinator Strategy to create new and improved habitats for bees, butterflies and other insects by March 31, 2021.
Coun Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon said he was delighted the authority was in such a strong position that it could freeze its council tax precept again.
“We are looking forward to another busy year working hard for those who live and work in our wonderful district.”
The finals decisions on Council Tax and promises will be made on February 20, 2019.
