WYCHAVON District Council has frozen its council tax precept for the fifth year in a row to help ease the financial burden on residents who are facing rising fuel, food and energy bills in the coming months.
As part of the budget, the authority has earmarked millions of pounds for new affordable housing and support for the economy and community.
Wychavon’s Executive Board announced a series of new actions at its last meeting – they are designed to support the district’s continuing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The council is working with authorities in Stratford and Warwick and the Heart of England Forest on a £725,000 bid to fund a major tree planting scheme to help tackle climate change and support biodiversity.
A £15,000 fund will support communities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and scrap road closure notice fees for events planned over the main Jubilee weekend.
A promotion of Wychavon’s visitor offer will be aimed at increasing the amount people spend in the district by 10 per cent above pre-Covid levels by March 31, 2025.
And it will map community facilities across the district so funding and support can be targeted where it is needed most.
Support will also be on hand to help low-income households improve energy efficiency and there will be an investigation into the use of alternative low carbon fuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil, for waste collection vehicles by March 2024.
Coun Bradley Thomas, Wychavon District Council leader, said: “We know household incomes are about to be squeezed which is why we are proud to announce we are not going to be adding to that pressure by keeping our share of the council tax bill on hold, for the fifth year running.
“This means £1.9million of taxpayers’ money has been kept where it should be – in their pockets.”
He added robust financial management over the years and wise investment decisions meant the council could fund its commitment to helping the district build back stronger.
The proposals will be put forward for approval at the Wychavon District Council meeting on Wednesday, February 23.
Visit wychavon.gov.uk/ourstrategy for more.
