Council decides on budget
Wyre Forest District Council has decided not to increase its
share of the Council Tax bill for the next financial year.
Full Council voted last night (Wednesday 23rd
February) on the revenue budget for 2011-12. This 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.
Wyre Forest District Council's share of the Council Tax bill is
just 13%.
The freeze in the Council Tax means residents will once again be
paying £197.62 (for a Band D property) to the District Council for
the year.
Wyre Forest District Council also collects the Council Tax on
behalf of Worcestershire County Council, Hereford and Worcester
Fire and Rescue Authority, West Mercia Police Authority and the
Parish/Town Councils. The overall bill on Band D property is
to remain at the 2010/11 level of £1,489.04.
This figure does not include precepts from Parish and Town
councils in areas that have them. The average council tax for
parish councils at Band D is £13.09.
Details of all Council Tax for all valuation bands can be found
on the
Council's website
Making savings was the focus of the budget. The net budget
is £13.3 million, a reduction of £2 million or thirteen per cent
lower than the current financial year.
Councillor John Campion, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council
said,
"The approved budget rolls out our strategic plan to protect
front line services and deliver them as effectively as possible.
Our commitment continues to be on refining the ways we do things so
that we get maximum value for every pound spent on behalf of the
Wyre Forest community, both now and in the years to come."
Council agreed to review how some services are delivered.
This includes reviewing the way public conveniences are cleaned and
making the successful way in which we collect refuse even cheaper
for local taxpayers. Councillors also agreed to streamline
back-office functions and the management structure. There is also
going to be a reduction in the workforce. Approximately 10 full
time equivalent jobs will be cut during 2011 -12.
Investment in services will be focused on regeneration and
economic development and Parish councils. The range of
measures agreed in the budget centres on ensuring the Council is as
efficient as possible and protects front-line services.
Councillor Nathan Desmond, Wyre Forest District Council's
Cabinet Member for Resources said,
"This has been another very difficult budget for Wyre Forest
District Council. The economic downturn has had a big impact upon
us and once again we have had to make tough decisions about the way
we deliver services. The Council has agreed this budget which
focuses on protecting front-line services as well as making the
authority even more efficient.
We have decided to freeze the Council Tax at the same level as
last year in order to take advantage of the special grant from the
Government. The strategy for future years is to increase the
Council Tax at just 2.5% a year as we have done in the past. You
can find information about Benefits at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk or
you can contact the Benefits Team on 01562 732928."
Date of issue - 24th February 2011