COUNCIL tax for the average household in Wychavon is set to increase by at least £60 - despite a freeze by the district council.

Wychavon District Council agreed to freeze the amount it asks for in council tax at £120 – the third year in a row it has done so.

Council leaders at Wychavon had proposed a two per cent increase for taxpayers for 2020/21 as part of its budget proposals but decided against pushing up the price of the bill due to its "healthy

Cllr Ron Davis, portfolio holder for resources and investment at Wychavon, proposed a council tax freeze when the authority's executive board met last week, due to its "healthy financial position."

However, the cost of county-wide services such as social care, schools and roads is set to increase along with the price of policing and the fire service.

Worcestershire County Council is set to agree a rise of almost four per cent next year, rising to £1,311 for the average band D household, with a precept rise for West Mercia Police of £8.54 to £225.20 a year already approved.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has asked for a small two per cent increase of £1.65 a year – pushing the average household cost for the region's fire service to £86 a year.

Cllr Bradley Thomas, leader of the district council, said: “This is a bold plan that will protect and enhance our environment, continue to grow our economy and invest in the things that matter most to our communities.

“Thanks to our successful Grow, Save, Charge plan we are able to do all this while freezing our share of the council tax bill to help our hard-pressed residents keep more of their money in their pocket to spend with local businesses.”

With the police precept increase already approved, fire authority bosses met yesterday (February 12) to discuss its budget for next year.

The county council meets at County Hall this morning (February 13) to discuss its budget proposals and Wychavon District Council meets next Tuesday (February 19) to ratify its budget.