THE controlling Tory group at Wychavon has officially set next year's district council tax increase at 2.5 per cent, making it the cheapest place to live in Worcestershire.

At a recent council meeting the proposed budget for 2004/5 was ratified. Residents in a Band D property will pay £94.03 - only a £2.29 increase from last year.

However the final bill will also include cash for Worcestershire County Council, the police, town and parish councils and, for the first time, the fire brigade.

Wychavon is responsible for collecting the full amount of the bill on behalf of these other bodies.

Councillor Clive Holt, the executive board member for resources, said: "Wychavon is the cheapest place to live in Worcestershire but boasts a wealth of services for residents.

"Despite the changes Wychavon still offers the best concessionary fares scheme in the county, as well as the lowest tax and without cuts to obligatory services."

The budget for the next financial year sees £10m net expenditure to cover the cost of delivering the council's everyday services.

Council managing director Sid Pritchard said: "Once again Wychavon has proved high quality services can still be provided for under £100 a year for a family living in a Band D household.

"These include parks to play in, rubbish collection, CCTV monitoring our streets, car parks, planning applications and sports programmes. All this for the cost of a family day out!"