DESPITE this year seeing the lowest increases in Council Tax across the country since the levy was introduced in 1993, Redditch residents will be asked to fork out an extra 2.57 per cent from April 1.

At a meeting on Monday (February 22), Redditch Borough Council agreed it would increase its share of the bill by 2.5 per cent in 2010/11. This is added to charges for services provided by Worcestershire County Council, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority and West Mercia Police Authority, making the overall total increase of 2.57 per cent.

In practical terms, this means that residents living in middle Band D properties will be asked to pay the borough council £209.18 for the year, an increase of £5.10. Those living within the bounds of Feckenham will be asked to pay a further £22.83 to the parish council, an increase of 19p on last year, giving a total increase of £5.29.

The all-important total Council Tax bill for Band D Redditch residents will be £1,523.43 in Feckenham and £1,500.60 elsewhere.
However, with households in the West Midlands facing a 1.8 per cent overall increase, and those across England being asked for a record low of just 1.6 per cent, Worcestershire residents are facing a hike more than many.
The average bill across England for 2010-11 is now £1,194 per household, for comparison.

However, Redditch council leader Carole Gandy said the controlling Conservative group had worked hard to maintain just a 2.5 per cent increase.
Bromsgrove District Council also pegged their Council Tax increase at 2.5 per cent, meaning an overall 2.57 per cent increase for residents living in the district. Band D house owners in Alvechurch will now pay £1,526.35 from April 1, those in Beoley will pay £1,506.22 and householders in Wythall £1,504.27.

Councillors in Stratford District also set their increase at just 1.5 per cent at a meeting on Monday (February 22), meaning householders in Band D properties in Alcester will pay £1,553.79 from April 1, while those in Studley will pay £1,519.64.

redditchstandard.co.uk