COUNCIL tax will increase by almost three per cent in Worcester, it has been decided after an annual budget meeting.
Worcester City Council’s element of the bill will increase by 2.99 per cent, or around 1.7p per day in order to fund the services it provides, including bin collections, housing, support for the homeless, parks, street cleaning, planning and more.
The total council tax bill also includes charges for services provided by Worcestershire County Council, the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Police, and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority.
Residents in Warndon Villages and St Peter’s also have to pay an additional charge for their parish councils.
Worcester City Council’s net budget for 2025-26 has been set at £13 million.
That will enable it to provide essential services alongside an ongoing programme of improvements to playgrounds and facilities in the city, and a packed programme of family-friendly events and attractions at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, and The Commandery.
For a band D property in the city the annual cost will be £2,228.88.
The Leader of Worcester City Council, Councillor Lynn Denham, said: “Worcester City Councillors have carefully looked at expenditure across all council services. We have agreed a new City Plan and priorities for the next financial year in line with feedback from Worcester residents.
“I want to make sure that we can deliver on key projects, as well as emptying the bins, providing housing support and looking after our many beautiful parks.
“As part of setting a balanced budget for 2025-26, Worcester City Council will be making a small increase in our part of the council tax bill. I’m pleased that for the majority of households in Worcester that will be the equivalent of around 1p a day.”
