COUNCILLORS have approved a rise in Wyre Forest council tax of almost two per cent.

Residents will now see their bills increase by 1.94 per cent in 2018-19, following a freeze on Wyre forest District Council's part of bills for the last two years.

An average Band D property will see an annual increase of £3.98 – or less than 8 pence per week - rising from £205.36 in 2017 to £209.34 in 2018.

The changes were approved by members of the full council on Wednesday, February 21, as part of plans for their budget for 2018-19

Cabinet member for resources, councillor Nathan Desmond, said: “We believe this budget represents true value for money.

"These are still very challenging times, but we believe the budget strikes the right balance between keeping increases in council tax to the minimum, while allowing the great work going on to regenerate our district, attract new jobs, new homes and investment to continue.

“We have frozen Wyre Forest’s share of council tax for five years out of the last seven, with the increase in council tax since 2010 remaining well below the rate of inflation across that period.

"The modest rise of 1.94 per cent this year is well below the 3 per cent rate of inflation as measured by the consumer prices index, and therefore represents a real terms reduction.”

Wyre Forest District Council leader, councillor Marcus Hart, added: “We will continue to do our very best with the financial envelope that we have and will continue to manage our finances prudently, reducing costs and increasing income wherever possible and give all who live, work and visit Wyre Forest the best services that we possibly can.”

The news comes after Worcestershire County council also agreed to put up its share of residents' council tax by 4.94 per cent last week.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia has also increased Band D council tax by 3.94 per cent, while Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority is increasing Band D council tax by 2.98 per cent.