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Council tax rise will fund roads
THOUSANDS of Worcestershire families will pay higher bills after a council tax rise of more than four per cent was agreed.
Families living in average Band D properties will now pay up to £984 - a rise of £41.
The council's ruling Tory group claimed the budget was a success as it was below the Government's recommended rise.
They said the increased revenue would now fund £5 million of flood mitigation work and a £15 million program designed to improve estate roads in Worcestershire towns.
But Labour opposition chiefs accused the Conservatives of failing to deliver better services through "leaner" management.
Opposition leader, Coun John Buckley (Lab, Gorse Hill and Warndon) said: "I am absolutely astounded the ruling party has failed to seize the opportunity to provide better services with leaner management.
"Instead of ploughing money into adult services, which help the vulnerable and elderly, they have put an extra £2 million into reserves.
"This hits the tax payer in the pocket."
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