Council Tax increase recommended to protect key services

Malvern Hills District Council's Executive Committee has recommended a £5 Council Tax per year increase on Band D houses to help protect front line services.

The rise, which is far below the rate of inflation, is the equivalent of less than 10 pence per week.

Residents in the Malvern Hills district pay £3.31 per week for district council services, which is one of the lowest Council Tax bills in the country and the second lowest in Worcestershire.

From the bill, less than 9% goes towards district council services, including Covid-19 recovery, waste and recycling collections, planning services, business support, housing, parks, public toilets, elections, community safety and more.

The rest of the bill goes to Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and Town and Parish Councils.

The rise was recommended for approval by the Executive Committee on 15 February 2022. The final decision will be made next week at the Council meeting.

Cllr Peter Whatley, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Malvern Hills District Council, said: "I'm well aware that an increase in Council Tax is not something residents look forward to, but it is important to understand that this money goes directly to maintaining front-line services. Malvern Hills District Council has one of the lowest Council Tax bills in the country and the second lowest in Worcestershire. We receive just 9p of every pound you pay in Council Tax. For anyone struggling to pay their Council Tax bill, we do provide support on the money advice section on our website".

Depending on circumstances, residents struggling to pay their Council Tax bill can receive support from the council. Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/money-advice for more information.