TAX payers in Malvern could be about to see their council tax rise by £5 as proposals move one step closer.

The proposals, which were discussed at last night's overview and scrutiny meeting of Malvern Hills District Council (February 9), could see a rise across the district.

This, according to the council, is to help meet their financial needs in the long term.

According to the council’s medium term financial plan, the average Band D property in the district will see their council tax go up by £5.

According to the reports, available on the council’s website: “There is a proposed increase of £5 on band D equivalent properties in the council’s part of the council tax for 2021/22.

“This council tax increase is necessary to maintain front line services over the medium term.”

Councillors from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on February 9 where Cllr Peter Whatley explained the decision.

He said: "Inevitably, in the current situation, we need to take account of covid and setting the proposed council tax.

"This is not a time for experimentation. We have an awful lot of things hanging in the balance with the budget on March 3.

"The national situation is one with a great deficit looming so something may have to be done about that.

"£5 has been in the budget for a couple of years now and is consistent with previous years. I urge us to carry on in the same manner."

No opposition was raised to the proposals, which will now go before full council having been recommended for approval by the committee.

The proposed Band D council tax now sits at £160.60.

The government has currently set a limit of two per cent for council tax increases, however the lowest taxing councils including Malvern Hills have been allowed to increase their council tax by up to £5. This represents an increase of 3.08 per cent.

Any district council wishing to raise their council tax at or above this level would need to conduct a successful referendum.

The full meeting can be watched again via the Malvern Hills District Council YouTube Page. For more information, go to www.malvernhills.gov.uk/about-your-council/your-local-council/webcasts-of-meetings

Elsewhere, Wychavon District Council voted not to increase tax for 2021.