FUNDING for litter picking and tackling illegal parking are part of Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet budget proposals.
As part of the budget plan, the council is looking to invest in tackling environmental issues like flytipping and dog fouling.
Plans to install more inclusive play equipment in parks across the district are also part of the proposal.
The Cabinet will be considering the draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025-2028.
The proposals include increasing the District Council’s portion of Council Tax by three per cent – meaning an additional £7.29 for the year or 14p a week for Band D properties.
The majority of householders in the district will pay less than this because almost three quarters of homes are in Bands A to C.
Proposals help the authority deliver its priorities which are ‘economic growth and regeneration’, ‘a clean, safe and green district’ and ‘securing financial sustainability for services that local communities value.’
Councillor David Ross, cabinet member with responsibility for finance and capital portfolio said: “Like councils across the country, Wyre Forest is facing significantly increased costs to provide services and rising demand.
“We also have a legal requirement to balance the council’s budget each year.
“Residents will know that while we collect Council Tax only 11 per cent of it is kept by the District Council.
“The rest goes to other organisations. We are currently proposing to increase our share by 14p a week for a Band D property.”
Coun Marcus Hart, leader of Wyre Forest District Council added: “We are facing funding pressures, but we are still proposing to invest in the priorities in our corporate plan.
“These are things which residents have told us are important to them, for example additional funding for litter picking and tackling fly tipping and littering.
“Our budget proposals focus on what we need to do right now to make sure that we can continue to deliver essential services and progress work on our priorities.”
Fees and charges including car parking fees are also part of the proposal.
The majority of ticket prices look set to be increased but the Cabinet is proposing to freeze the evening parking rate and the senior citizens’ season ticket.
A public consultation on the Cabinet’s spending proposals is due to be launched on Thursday (December 19) and will run for four weeks.
Visit: wyreforestdc.gov.uk/consultations for more information.
