Coun Doug Hine writes for the Standard.
AT THE start of the year, many councils sit down and set an annual budget for the 2026 to 2027 financial year.
We all set our income and expenditure after reviewing our objectives (or vision), from looking at past years’ figures, and then project any expected savings, additional expenses and income.
On Kidderminster Town Council, we need to maintain a robust budget to ensure that we continue to deliver our services, support local initiatives, maintain our assets and to ensure financial sustainability.
Our budget covers the costs of maintaining our parks and public spaces, putting on events (such as Remembrance Sunday and Christmas Lights Switch on), supporting the Mayor in their activities, supporting the Town Hall, and Market Street toilets.
The success of Town Hall box office sales is contributing towards the council’s income at a rate higher than expected.
As a result, we will be able to pay off loans faster and only increase our slice of council tax (the precept) by a small amount.
For the coming financial year, Kidderminster Town Council will be asking households for about £86 for the year for a band D household.
This will be under four per cent of the total council tax bill.
Other authorities take larger shares from the council tax pot, although they have bigger responsibilities and more staff.
Last year, your council tax was distributed this way – Worcestershire County Council, 69 per cent, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, 13 per cent, Wyre Forest District Council, 11 per cent, Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority, four per cent. Your local town or parish council, two to four percent.
I agree with those who say council tax, as it is structured, places an unfair load on poorer households and disadvantages poorer districts.
Unfortunately, council tax is regulated by government legislation and reform of it is not on the government’s agenda.
In Kidderminster, our accounts are open and the budget is set with discipline uppermost in our minds.
In this way we can continue to deliver lasting benefits for residents and create a positive impact across the town.
Coun Doug Hine
Mayor of Kidderminster
