Final Recommendations on Council Budget
Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet meet next Tuesday (16th
February), when it will make the final recommendations to Council
on the budget.
As previously reported the Cabinet is predicting significant
reductions in support from central government at the same time that
the other income the Council receives has significantly
reduced.
As a result the Cabinet is proposing a number measures to
reduce the cost of running the Council whilst at the same time
maintaining as far as possible the services provided. Such measures
include working together with the other Worcestershire authorities
to deliver services, investing in new technology to make processes
more efficient and continuing with plans to reduce the Council's
accommodation costs.
This year the Council is undertaking public consultation on the
proposals presented to Cabinet in December last year. You can still
influence this consultation which ends on Friday (12th February).
However, as always, the Cabinet invites local residents and
businesses to the debate next Tuesday at Duke House.
Cllr Nathan Desmond, Cabinet Member for Resources said,
"During the last two months, we have been consulting council
employees, Members, and partners as part of our preparations for
our budget proposals.
"Additional proposals include budgeting a further £35,000 for
street cleaning. We are also providing a further £120,000 to enable
additional grants to assist the most vulnerable within our
community in staying in their own home".
"It is proposed to keep the rate of Council Tax increase at 2.5%
even though the Council's finances are extremely stretched. We are
well aware of the difficult and challenging times that our
residents are facing and wish to protect the hard pressed tax payer
in Wyre Forest."
The Council Meeting which determines the budget is on Wednesday
24th February 2010 at 6.00pm in the Council Chamber at the Civic
Centre, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8UJ. The meeting is open to
members of the public.
Date of issue: 9th February 2010
