None of the three of four public authorities which set a council tax for Worcester residents has approached the six per cent increase allowed by central government.

But one just might be thinking about it.

The national press was full of speculation that ‘average’ council tax bills could rise by more than £100 as a result of the allowed increase.

The good news for Worcester taxpayers is that the increase they’ll be asked for is unlikely to be that much- with only Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service yet to announce at least a proposed increase.

Band D residents will likely be asked for £69.58.

That’s a £57 increase in Worcestershire County Council’s precept (4.94 per cent), £5 in Worcester City Council’s (2.85 per cent) and a £7.58 (four per cent increase) just proposed by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.

Mr Campion said an inflation rate of nearly four per cent has driven his thinking: “The Government has listened to our communities and the issues I have raised on their behalf. They have delivered a very fair settlement, with more money available to every police force nationwide. It ensures a stable financial base to build from in terms of central funding, as well as extra flexibility and accountability for PCCs around council tax, both of which are very welcome”.

“I have started the long and complex, but necessary work of reforming our police force. We have seen some good progress in the last year, with all officers now able to work ‘on the move’, and equipped with body worn video. More improvements will also follow next year.”

“This proposal ensures all that necessary work can continue, to deliver a modern, agile police force that can cope with future challenges. This is balanced with making sure levels of service are protected today. My budget plans protect our numbers of PCs. They ensure policing is visible and accessible to communities. They continue funding for projects that will tackle the root causes of crime and help reduce demand on our force.”

While the police, the fire service and the city council (and the two parish councils in the city) are not eligible to increase their precepts by the government set maximum of six per cent, as an authority with responsibility for social care, the county council is.

While it has proposed an increase of 4.94 per cent, that isn’t yet set in stone, and its leader, and cabinet member for finance Councillor Simon Geraghty said: "We are aware of the government's announcements made in the Local Government Finance Settlement. We are now studying the details. Once we have had time to assess the impact on Worcestershire we will update in the New Year."

Vox Pop

Elizabeth Anne Clarke, 60, Retired land worker from Upton On Severn

“It’s not really fair, especially if it means people have to pay more council tax. It will have a difficult impact on people who are already struggling.”

Hazel Freeth, 78, Retired hospital worker, Worcester

“I’ve only lived in Worcester for about 2 years and I’m not that impressed. It’s wrong that councils have to find the money, nowadays everyone is worried about money anyway. The financial responsibility should be split between both of them (Councils and government), but it’s a shame it doesn’t work like that. However, Council’s should be responsible in managing money properly too.”

Bryn Myers, 19, student, Worcester

“It’s difficult because most public sector jobs are underfunded anyway and I don’t see any other way of councils funding everything without them having to raise council tax, therefore it is unfair on councils. It’s probably an issue for any council up and down the country, but we probably don’t have a choice and therefore, if it goes up we will have to just get on with it.”

Royston Smith, 73, retired motor trader, Worcester

“Everything is changing and that is the trouble. We will just have to go with the flow if it comes to council tax increasing, you can’t hold back, but no one likes an increase, especially people living on a pension, and tax is quite a lot already. You would think that things like the fire service and the police would be the government’s responsibility, but that’s not always the case.”

Abbey Williams, 53, Credit controller, Worcester.

“I would like to know more about why the government is doing this, I’d like more information about the reasons, but if council tax goes up it will be hard. If this affects social care or care for the disabled it will be a bad thing. But if increasing council tax improves social care services it will be a good thing. If it goes up and things don’t improve though, it’s a lot for people to pay and people will struggle.”