COUNCIL tax is set to rise in Redditch.

Councillors have voted to increase the portion of tax paid to Redditch Borough Council as part of the 2022-23 budget.

Redditch Borough Council’s portion of council tax this year will be an average £254.15, an increase of £5 compared to last year.

The move comes as the council passed a budget of £10.52m for 2022-23 at its meeting on Monday night, which included money to upgrade online services, and improve local parks and open spaces.

Redditch residents face council tax rises across the board as Worcestershire County Council is set to increase its council tax portion by 3.94 per cent, meaning an average band D property will pay £1,396.78.

Redditch Borough Council has found £300,000 in savings and additional income in the budget, but councillors have acknowledged that the financial situation remains challenging.

Councillor Mike Rouse, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Enabling, said: “Of course, the combined effects of Covid, inflation, and uncertainty over government funding now means there’s even more work to do just to ensure the council will remain financially viable.

"We’ve come a long, long way on financial sustainability in Redditch over the last few years but even so, nobody should be under any illusions over the scale of the task that’s now ahead.”

Councillor Matt Dormer, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “The Town Hall’s finances are more challenging than ever, plus the fact that more people are approaching us for help in these difficult times.

"But we’ve never shied away from a challenge, that’s what we’re here to do. And despite the challenges there’s much to be excited about. The over £16m we’ve got to regenerate Redditch under the government’s Town Deal for example is huge and that will take shape this year.”