Planned council tax increase is cut back

A proposed hike in council tax in a Black Country borough has been cut for the second time – but remains higher than all other increases in the region.

Walsall Council chiefs now say they are planning a rise of 3.9 per cent – which bosses say will mean an extra £25 a year for most households. An increase of 4.5 per cent was initially proposed, which was then cut to 4.26 per cent and slashed again.

But the inflation-busting rise is still far higher than neighbouring authorities, with Wolverhampton City Council promising no increase at all. Dudley Council wants less than two per cent more and South Staffordshire is going for a three per cent hike.

Walsall's rise is aimed at easing financial pressure on the council which has had to make savings of £11.2 mil-lion. Other measures before cabinet on Wednesday will reveal how the council hopes to save £280,000 in landfill costs by increasing recycling above existing targets.