Cabinet announces budget proposals
Wyre Forest District Council’s administration announced its
budget proposals at the meeting
of the Cabinet on Tuesday 22 December.
The proposals include measures to tackle the financial
pressures placed on the authority due to the economic downturn. The
Council is expected to have to make savings of at least £4 million
over the next three years. The revenue budget is what the District
Council uses for the day to day running of services such as waste
and recycling collections, food and health and safety inspections,
planning and building control and parks and play areas.
The Cabinet is proposing to raise its element of Council Tax by
2.5% next year that would mean an average rise of £4.82 for the
District Council’s share of the bill. The greater part of
Council Tax payers’ money goes to bodies including the County
Council, Police and Fire and Rescue Authorities.
The range of measures the Cabinet is putting forward centres on
ensuring the Council is as efficient as possible and protecting
front line services. Also included in the Cabinet’s plans are
proposals to freeze employees’ pay and members’ allowances.
There are changes to Councillors’ travel allowances, with them only
being allowed to claim when they travel outside of the
district. The proposals do include a small reduction in the
workforce. These reductions will be kept to a minimum and the
Council is working closely with unions to minimise impact and
protect front line services.
Parish and Town Councils would benefit from the proposals as the
Cabinet is looking to re-instate the grant the District Council
pays to them at a rate of 7.5% of their precept.
Councillor Nathan Desmond, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet
Member for Resources said:
“The Council finds itself in a similar position to many households
in the district, where its income has been cut dramatically whilst
its costs are still rising. We are forecasting a cut in the
levels of Government grant we receive and this makes up 50% of our
funding. Interest rates are still low and so we are getting a
lower income on our savings. We have put forward a wide range
of measures and now would like residents to look at our plans and
let us know their views on the proposed budget.”
The budget proposals will be scrutinised and consulted on during
January and February. A decision on the final budget will be
made by full Council on 24th February 2010.
The Council’s full
budget proposals can be viewed on the website. There will be an
on-line questionnaire called "Your Money, Your Choice" where
residents can offer their views. This will be available early in
the New Year.
Date of issue - 22nd December 2009
