Budget approved with higher taxes, rent, fees. Expect fortnightly bin collections and service cuts.
The council faces a £20 million budget shortfall and needs to make cuts to balance things. Council tax will rise by 4.99%, with two percent of this increase helping adult social care.
Most households will pay £58 to £68 more, and average homes will pay almost £87 extra annually. The council says it’s making careful financial choices.
Switching to fortnightly bins will save £2.6 million. About 35 jobs could be lost due to this change, and staff cuts could save over £1 million. Thirteen fewer bin lorries will be used.
Conservative councillors disagree with the bin plan. However, they offered no alternative budget ideas and abstained from voting on the changes. A Labour councillor criticized their lack of input, saying they avoided responsibility.
An independent councillor blamed government cuts and said Labour also failed to fix the damage. He called rising costs a betrayal.
Many council service fees increased this January. Weddings and funerals now cost more, and garden waste collection went up to £40.
Council house rent will rise by 2.7% in April. Tenants will pay £120 to £150 more per year. A rent increase occurred last year as well as flat rent increasing about £127
Rents already rose £300 to £400 in 2023. The council also plans facility closures for savings. Hadley Stadium might close, and Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre may also close. Tipton Sports Academy could see changes too.