COUNCIL chiefs have frozen Wychavon’s share of the council tax for the second year running and unveiled 11 new promises which included new cycling routes in Evesham.
The decision means that a Band D property will again pay £120.08 for the district council’s services per year and the rate is the lowest in Worcestershire and the eighth lowest in the country out of all the district councils.
Along with the council tax verdict, Wychavon chiefs have vowed to work with local groups to increase levels of cycling and walking by backing new routes in Evesham and the development of cycling and walking plans for Pershore and Droitwich by March 2021.
A £200,000 cash injection will be made to improve social mobility across the district and fund free school meal eligible children and their families.
Over the next two years, at least 20 additional electric vehicle charging points in car parks across the district will be put in place while the council will also publish a plan setting out how it will encourage businesses, developers and communities to install more charging points.
A £200,000 investment over the next two years to improve play areas, equipment and paths in parks across Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich will also be made while the council.
Businesses will be backed as council chiefs approved plans to build small business units for rent and create a Wychavon business hub to pilot providing support to at least three businesses at key stages of their development.
As the Observer previously reported, a masterplan for breathe new life in Evesham town centre will be produced while a further £150,000 will be set aside to fund plans for Pershore and Droitwich by March 2021.
Coun Bradley Thomas, leader of Wychavon District Council said: “We are delighted to announce we will be freezing Council Tax for another year, a decision made possible by our strong financial position.
“The promises we have made for the year prioritise the needs of the district’s communities, including taking decisive action on social mobility, reducing crime, developing business and delivering new walking and cycling routes, as well as play areas and equipment in our much-loved parks.
“We’re also committing to improve design quality for new buildings through the creation of an urban designer role and I’m very keen that we become more design-led in our new developments.
“We are looking forward to another busy year working hard for those who live and work in our wonderful district.”
