COUNCIL TAX will increase by almost three per cent in Bromsgrove in 2025/26 following the local authority’s budget approval.
At a meeting last night (Wednesday, February 19) Bromsgrove District councillors approved the budget which will see a 2.99 per cent increase to council tax in the region.
Bromsgrove District Council collects the taxes on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Fire and Rescue Service and parish councils.
Based on the new percentage, residents in a Band D property will receive a total annual bill of £2,302.72, an overall increase of 4.86 per cent. The hike means a new price of around £4.95 per week (a 14p increase on 2024/25) for Band D properties.
This accounts for increases in precepts from Worcestershire County Council (4.99), the Police and Crime Commissioner (5.05), and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire and Rescue Service (5.14).
Bromsgrove District Council’s cabinet member for finance, Steve Colella, said: “This year we have been faced with a unique set of challenges including a significant reduction in government grant and the shortfall in national insurance funding.
“So we have taken stock of this and raised our portion of the council tax within the range accepted by the Government to enable us to continue to provide excellent public services to our customers.
“We are also taking steps and investing to future-proof our services, with devolution in mind, to create a lasting legacy across the whole District, regenerating key spots and investing in a Better Bromsgrove for everyone to enjoy.
Council tax bills, along with a helpful leaflet explaining what services are provided will be sent out to residents over the next weeks.
District Council Leader, Coun Karen May, said: “While we have had to be pragmatic and increase our council tax I am delighted we can continue to put our communities at the heart of everything we do and provide a wealth of services which we know are important to our residents.”
