Have your say on Cabinet’s budget proposals
News release issued:
Freezing parking charges, increasing litter picking in the tourist season and tackling environmental offences and illegal parking are among the budget proposals Wyre Forest Council’s Cabinet agreed at its meeting last night (Tuesday 11 November). They are also proposing to bring more cultural events to the district’s towns. The proposals are being considered as part of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy. They are actions the Cabinet is suggesting to help the council deliver its corporate plan.
The Cabinet now wants the public’s view on its plans before final budget proposals are drawn up. This is to make sure any decision to increase expenditure helps to meet Council priorities and is supported by residents and businesses.
The budget proposals include a rise in the District Council’s share of the Council Tax by 3%. At Band D this represents an additional £7.51 for the year or 14p a week. The majority of householders in the district will pay less than this because almost three quarters of homes in Wyre Forest are in Bands A to C.
The Council is setting its budget against a challenging financial backdrop but remains committed to delivering a plan that is both affordable and aligned with the priorities in its corporate plan. The Government funding for councils is due to be announced in December. It is predicted that Wyre Forest District Council will not be able to afford to commit to all the draft budget proposals. The public consultation will help shape what it focuses on.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said:
“We won’t get the details of government funding until next month, but we don’t expect to be able to fund all the things we would like to. We are asking residents to spend a few minutes completing our online survey to let us know which proposals they would like and what they think about the proposals we’re putting forward. We’ve designed them to help us deliver on our corporate plan but also with our financial situation in mind. As a council, we must set a balanced budget. We are finding efficiencies as well as increasing the income targets for our commercial services to help us achieve this.”
A short survey to gather feedback on the Cabinet’s key proposals is now live on the council’s website. Residents can visit the Council's consultations webpage to take part.
The survey closes at 5pm on Thursday 15 January 2026
Full details of the proposals, including the costings, can be found in Medium Term Financial Strategy report in the Cabinet agenda by visiting the Council’s meeting webpages.
The final proposals will go to Full Council at the annual budget setting meeting in February.