Worcestershire County Council leader Matt Jenkins has said the authority is 'almost certainly' not going to push council tax above 5% next year, despite a funding gap now estimated at £98m.
Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, Jenkins admitted the council's finances were in ‘a deep hole,’ but insisted: ‘We really do not want to increase council tax above 5%.’
He said the Green, Lib Dem and independent-led coalition would lean on cost-saving measures, including the use of AI, though he added that ‘tough decisions’ remain ahead, warning that cuts alone couldn't close the gap.
The previous Reform UK-led administration raised council tax by 9% for 2025-26 and secured around £60m in emergency government support. Jenkins suggested the council may need to seek similar help again, citing soaring demand on children's and adult social care services.
