REDDITCH Councillors are set to discuss a proposed freeze to council tax in 2025/26 at their next meeting in papers on Tuesday.
The financial position laid out within the proposed budget will allow the authority the flexibility to potentially freeze council tax prices in the year 2025/26.
Council tax will still rise 2.99 per cent in the year 2024/25 to enable the council to continue to provide services whilst recouping reserves.
Portfolio holder for finance and enabling, Councillor Luke Court, said: “This budget reflects a robust position for the council going forward, including a projected surplus of £100k-a-year for the next three years and over £1million of funding reallocated to our general reserves.
“As a result, the council is budgeting for a council tax freeze next year to help residents with the cost-of-living, while also supporting our services.”
The report also contains details of the capital programme which includes all the schemes connected with the Town’s Fund and the town hall redevelopment.
The document also outlines plans for investment in Arrow Valley Country Park and the refuse fleet, along with details of £40million being invested into existing and new housing stock over the next four years which the council said was ‘thanks to a healthy position within the HRA Budget’.
Redditch Borough Council leader, Coun Matt Dormer, said: “This buoyant budget reflects the hard work this council has done to benefit the residents of Redditch and return to a robust position.
“We continue to be able to deliver on plans to unlock the town’s potential through regeneration and invest in an incredible transformation programme.
“We recognise that times are hard for many of our residents and businesses, and we have worked hard to be able to create a budget with such surplus that it will allow us the option to freeze council tax in 2025/26.
“This budget shows that prospects are bright for this council and our residents.”
Redditch Labour leader Coun Joe Baker said the council should have focused on helping residents this year.
He added: “They cannot predict what the financial situation will be this time next year.
“It’s ironic they are coming up with these statements when they have just hit council tenants with a seven per cent rent increase.
“A Labour council would provide a stable financial solution for Redditch.”
The meeting of the executive will be held on Tuesday February 6.
Visit redditchtowndeal.co.uk for more information.
