Council Tax could be set to freeze in Redditch after the council announced its three-year budget plans. 

Redditch Borough Council released the proposed budget on Tuesday, January 30 with its current financial position indicating that there could be flexibility to freeze Council Tax prices in the year 2025/26. 

Council Tax will still rise by 2.99 per cent in the year 2024/25, but executive members are set to deliberate on the potential future freeze at their next meeting on Tuesday (February 6). 

Portfolio holder for finance and enabling at Redditch Borough Council, 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 £1 million 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 whilst also supporting our services.

"This strong financial position is only possible following the council's decision to invest in a community hub delivering £400k of savings whilst maintaining service provision."

He added that the council remains aware of the risk factors facing the sector and the council, especially the accounts awaiting audit, but that it has listened to advice from independent auditors Grant Thornton and met five of the six recommendations. 

Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Matt Dormer, added: "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." 

The report also contains details of the Capital Programme which includes all the initiatives connected with the Towns Fund and the Town Hall Redevelopment. 

In 2022, the council was issued a Section 24 notice for failing to deliver its 2020/21 accounts due to issues including staff vacancies, technical problems with the financial system and challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The meeting of the Executive will be held on Tuesday, February 6. 

For more information about the Towns Deal visit www.redditchtowndeal.co.uk/