Public asked to comment on proposed budget

Residents and members of the public are being urged to have their say on spending proposals put forward by Wyre Forest District Council.

The proposed budget for 2018-19, designed to protect frontline services and continue to drive forward the district’s regeneration,  was agreed by members of Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet yesterday.

Now members of the public have an opportunity to comment on the proposals by taking a short online survey, https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QNF3FDR

or completing a written questionnaire available at council buildings and libraries. The budget consultation will run until Thursday 18 January 2018.

The proposed budget for 2018-19  builds on important decisions made last year around our key priorities including making efficiency savings, generating additional income to protect services communities value and championing regeneration to create jobs and new homes.

The council is proposing a modest Council Tax increase next year following a freeze on the district council’s part of bills for the last two years. For a Band D property, the proposed 1.94% increase for district council services would mean an annual increase of £3.98 – or less than 8 pence per week for people in these properties.

Cabinet member for Resources Councillor Nathan Desmond said: “We believe these proposals represent the best value for residents in what remains a challenging financial climate.

“Proposals include working as efficiently as possible by simplifying processes, cutting out waste and making best use of technology and digital solutions to deliver services to local residents and businesses.

“At the same time we want to continue to grow our income and look for new ways of working.

“I hope as many people as possible take this opportunity to comment on our proposals. We value their feedback and their views will help shape our future plans.”

The main proposals include:

• Making extra efficiency savings of £50,000 in 2018-19

• Increasing the commercial income target by an additional £50,000 in 2018-19

• Increasing the amount of Council Tax for district council services by a below-inflation 1.94% in 2018-19, which means council tax will fall in real terms.

• Funding Wyre Forest’s Community Safety Team at a cost of £30,000 in 2018-19.

• Investing £50,000 to fund WFDC’s Localism initiative and continue the excellent partnership working with Parish and Town Councils and other local organisations to safeguard local services and facilities.

• Continuing to provide £33,000 for the Community Leadership Fund which supports local initiatives and good causes in every ward of the district.

• Investing £38,000 at Spennells Valley nature reserve to replace the boardwalk.

For full details please see the Cabinet Agenda and report.

This survey can be completed online at http://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/budget2018. There are more details about the budget on the webpage including the Financial Strategy.

Public computers are available at the libraries and there is also access to the online survey at the Worcestershire Hub at Kidderminster Town Hall.  Paper versions of the survey are also available from the Hub.  The consultation ends at midday on Thursday 18 January 2018.

Cabinet members will finalise their budget recommendations on Wednesday 7 February 2018 after considering feedback from the public consultation.  The final budget will be agreed by full council on Wednesday 21 February 2018.  These meetings will be webcast and can be viewed from the council’s website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/webcast.