Council vows to tackle £2.6m funding shortfall
Wyre Forest District Council is predicted to face a £2.6m funding gap by the end of 2023 to 2024.
Budget proposals to balance the books will be discussed by Wyre Forest District Council Cabinet next week.
Members will consider the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy when they meet on next Tuesday.
The council had already been facing a £1.7 million shortfall by 2022-23 before Covid-19 struck.
Although government funding has offset some of the costs of the pandemic, it does not cover all costs and losses incurred. The proposals set out how the budget can be balanced in light of the additional strains on the council and have been shaped by public opinion.
The report does not propose cutting any services, but puts forward options for how the council might deliver services differently to save costs.
Results of a public consultation showed 59 per cent of residents said they would be prepared to pay more council tax for district council services. The only proposal that was not supported was the option to outsource or privatise services, which 63 per cent of respondents disagreed with.
Councillor Graham Ballinger, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: “These proposals represent a realistic way forward that will allow us to balance the books in the wake of the most challenging period in the council’s history.
“Before the pandemic struck we were on course to achieve the savings necessary to meet a substantial shortfall due to changes in the way councils are funded.
“This year’s pandemic has put even more strain on our services, creating greater demands while at the same time reducing our income.
“We have listened to the views of residents who took part in the survey and we will do everything we can to avoid outsourcing or privatising services.”
