Council sets budget for 2026-27
News release issued:
Wyre Forest councillors have approved a £16.97 million net budget requirement for 2026-27 at a full council meeting last night (Wednesday 25 February).
As well as funding the everyday services residents rely on, the budget puts money into a number of improvements across the district. Car park charges will be frozen in 2026-27 more officers will be dealing with fly-tipping, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour, and litter picking will increase during the tourist season to keep parks, riverside areas and town centres looking their best. The budget also includes extra support for cultural events across the three towns and a new pilot scheme to introduce on-street recycling and litter bins in town centres.
The council has also agreed a one-off grant to support the Museum of Carpet as it works to develop a new way of running itself, as part of a wider package of investment in Kidderminster's heritage and visitor economy and the Kidderminster 2040 Vision.
The budget includes a rise in Wyre Forest District Council's part of residents' Council Tax bills. The district council has agreed to raise its share by 2.99%, which means most households will pay on average just 14p more each week for district council services in 2026-27. At Band D this represents £258.08 for the whole year — less than £5 a week.
Most people in the district will pay less than this. Almost three quarters of homes in Wyre Forest are in Bands A to C, so their bills will be lower.
Wyre Forest District Council collects Council Tax but currently keeps only 11p in every pound paid. The rest goes to the county council, town or parish council and the blue light services.
Councillor David Ross, Cabinet Member for Finance and Capital Portfolio at Wyre Forest District Council, said:
"Our vision is to make Wyre Forest a safe, vibrant and clean place to live, work and visit. We have worked hard to put together a budget that keeps vital services running while investing in the things that make a real difference to local people.
Financial pressures on councils are not getting any easier. We have a legal duty to set a balanced budget and we are working hard to find savings and increase the income we earn through our commercial services. But we are making sure that the things that matter most to residents — cleaner streets, safer communities, and a thriving local economy — remain at the heart of everything we do.
The district council’s share of council tax is going up in line with the current rate of inflation but is falling as a proportion of the total bill. Our increase of 2.99% is lower than Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority (+4.89%), The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia (+5.15%) or the county council, which could have an increase as high as 9%."
Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said:
"This budget is about investing in our communities and delivering on our priorities, even in tough financial times. From freezing car park charges to help our town centres, to tackling fly-tipping and supporting local events and heritage — we are focused on making Wyre Forest a place people are proud to call home.
We know there are challenges ahead, including local government reorganisation. But we remain committed to delivering good services and making the most of every pound of public money."
For more information visit the council's Council Tax information webpage.