One week left to complete budget survey

People have just one more week to have their say on a range of budget proposals put forward by Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet.

A short survey to gather feedback on the Cabinet’s key proposals, including a freeze on car parking charges, a 2.39% increase in council tax and extra money for maintaining verges, available on the council’s website, will close at midday on Thursday 17 January.

The survey also asks people’s views on proposals to support planning growth, invest in community projects, continue the district’s successful Localism initiative, support environmental and planning enforcement teams and increase income targets.

All comments and feedback from the survey will be considered by the council before the budget is set in February.

The survey is available at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/BudgetConsultation2019.

Paper copies of the survey are also available at Wyre Forest House, the Customer Service Centre at Kidderminster Town Hall, and district libraries for people who do not have access to the internet.

Cabinet Member for Resources Councillor Nathan Desmond said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible so we can take on board their feed back before setting next year’s budget.

“We believe our proposals build on local people’s priorities and will enable us to meet financial challenges ahead while protecting services that matter to residents the most. Now it’s for residents to let us know if they support our approach.

“The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, so I would urge anyone who has not yet taken up this opportunity, to do so before midday on Thursday 17.”

Wyre Forest District Council Leader Councillor Marcus Hart said: “It is vital local people have the chance to comment on our proposals. We will take on board their feedback and comments before setting the budget for the new financial year.”

The main budget proposals include:

• Freezing car parking charges across Wyre Forest for 2019-20
• Investing £30,000 to maintain standards of highway verges for 2019-20
• Strengthening the council’s environmental protection and enforcement team with a new fixed term post with costs partly offset by an increase in income.
• Providing extra support to the planning enforcement team which will be funded entirely by service efficiencies and increased income from planning fees.
• Raising income generation targets by £75,000 in 2019-20
• Increasing the amount of Council Tax for district council services by 2.39% in 2019-20
• Topping up the district’s Community Localism Fund to 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 charities and good causes in every ward of the district.

For full details please see the Cabinet Agenda and Budget Report.