£59 more to pay on tax

Families in Wyre Forest district will pay an average £59 extra on their council tax bills after the latest rise was given the go-ahead.

The district council has increased its charge by 2.5 per cent for the second successive year. It means the average band D property council precept will rise to £183.51 for 2007/08 compared to £179.03 last year.

The final bill including the county council, fire and police authority charges will be £1,349.98 not including the parish precept.

Spending included in the new budget will be £175,000 for new toilet facilities in New Road, Kidderminster, £60,000 on improving the neighbourhood warden scheme, £50,000 to improve the bin collection service, £40,000 to provide fencing around parks and open spaces and £35,000 to employ three full time litter pickers all year round.

There will also be £96,000 towards a £500,000 Heritage Lottery funding bid for Bewdley Museum.

Other projects to be funded include £17,450 to pay for hanging baskets for Kidderminster town centre and £8,000 to provide water supplies to allotments in Kidderminster and Cookley.

There will be £6,700 put aside for the introduction of free short stay car parking on Comberton Place, Horesefair car parks in Kidderminster and Vale Road car park in Stourport.

The tax rise proposed by cabinet member for finance John Campion was last night approved by 27 councillors with only two objecting.

Councillor Campion said: "There are many people in the Wyre Forest who are on a fixed income and we have to remember them when deciding on any rises.

"This budget is frugal, below inflation and will reassure householders that they can afford it. We have a duty to be responsible with their money and our proposals build on last year's budget successes.

"We are providing value for money and improved services without placing excessive demands on residents."