Worcestershire County Council has agreed to a near 9% increase in council tax following a lengthy and heated debate lasting over eight hours. The new budget, covering the financial year starting in April, is projected to add approximately £145 annually to the average Band D household bill.
The decision comes after the council received £59 million in emergency government funding to avoid effective bankruptcy, and amid ongoing concerns about the region’s long-term financial sustainability.
Council Tax to Rise by 9% in Worcestershire
The approved tax increase marks one of the largest rises for residents in recent years. From April, households in Band D will face an estimated £145 extra per year, brought in as part of the council’s wider attempt to stabilise public finances.
The decision follows central government intervention, which awarded the council substantial emergency relief in response to mounting fiscal pressures.
Political Divisions at Intense Budget Meeting
The council meeting, which lasted over eight hours, was marked by sharp exchanges between political parties. The entire Liberal Democrat group walked out following the approval of new budget amendments, and two Labour councillors exited before the conclusion.
During the session, council leader Jo Monk, representing the Reform group, stated, “This is about preventing the financial failure of this council,” while acknowledging the impact the tax rise would have on households.
Emergency Support Prevents Financial Failure
The council’s financial position has been under scrutiny, with the authority narrowly avoiding issuing a Section 114 notice, which would have signalled effective bankruptcy. Emergency funding of £59 million from central government was pivotal in providing the short-term support needed to keep services running.
Chief Executive Paul Robinson intervened during the meeting to urge councillors to maintain order amid heightened tensions.
Opposition Parties Voice Strong Criticism
Opposition groups strongly criticised both the tax increase and the council’s current administration. Conservative group leader Adam Kent presented a 5,000-signature petition against the increase, describing the move as “scandalous” and accusing the current leadership of lacking strategic vision.
Liberal Democrat leader Dan Boatright-Greene also voiced doubt about both major parties' handling of finances, stating, “The Conservatives left a legacy of failure, so own it,” before leading his group out of the chamber.
New Budget Commitment and Spending Plans
Despite the political discord, the new budget includes several notable commitments. The council will withdraw unfilled positions in departments such as IT, finance, and HR, aiming to save £9 million over the next year.
An additional £21 million in spending commitments have been secured, focusing on rural roads, drainage, flood prevention, and new cycle routes.
The capital programme includes investment in Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter, upgrading the A38 at Bromsgrove, £2.7 million for broadband expansion, and £500,000 towards increasing car parking at Worcestershire Parkway.
Final Summary
The decision to raise council tax by almost 9% highlights the severity of Worcestershire County Council’s financial challenges and the political pressures facing local authorities across England.
Although emergency funding has averted immediate insolvency, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of services and local governance.
Significant budget amendments and new investment signal steps toward improvement, but future reforms and possible structural changes are looming. For those monitoring local government developments, insights and analysis are available via the Pie app.
