Council asks residents to consider 10% tax rise

Joanne Monk, the Reform leader for the county council, is canvassing residents' views on potential spending cuts and council tax rises

Residents across an entire county are being asked for their views on a potential council tax hike of up to 10% - as well as the prospect of millions of pounds in cuts.

Worcestershire County Council is currently consulting on the 2026/27 budget, with people invited to give feedback by 1 November.

In a 32-page document, it asks people for their opinions on a range of council tax options because, according to Rob Wharton cabinet member for finance, the council is in a "very, very challenging situation".

Opposition councillors have voiced concern over the suggestions accusing the Reform-led authority of seeking justification to "cut services to the bone".

Worcestershire County Council has a current budget deficit of £48.6m, with 29% of spending going to Adult Social Care

The document states that the Reform administration is currently working on a "planning assumption" that bills will rise by 5%, which would add around £80 a year to the annual mid-range Band D rate.

But it also warns the council is under "significant financial pressure", with the authority planning to make widespread cutbacks and ask the government for Exceptional Financial Support of £43m to help balance the books.

The council had to use the same mechanism to borrow £33 million pounds for this financial year, or face declaring itself bankrupt.

Mr Wharton said the council is "keeping all our options open" and explained it would need permission from the secretary of state for any increase over 5%.

"But there are some people out there who are quite happy to pay extra tax to fund public services - at this stage it's about incorporating everyone's views," he said.

He added that he would "move heaven and earth" to keep rates down, and plans to focus on selling off assets like County Hall to provide further income.

At the moment, Worcestershire County Council has the third lowest council tax bills in the country at £1,615 for a Band D household.

The consultation also asks people what services should be the focus for savings - including areas like social care, highways, libraries and schools.

Opposition councillors concern over finances

Opposition councillors have voiced concern over the scale of the financial challenge ahead.

Councillor Adam Kent, opposition Conservative group leader, said: "It would be absolutely nuts if council tax went to 10%."

Mr Kent blamed the government for not providing enough funding for key services and asked "Why should Worcestershire's residents be penalised?"

Labour councillor Richard Udall said: "I think they're looking for justification for a 'slash and burn' policy, so they can cut services to the bone.

"And the consequences will be severe."