REDDITCH Council has spent a total of £109.84 on every resident providing services over the last year.

The news follows the release of the council's performance indicators which demonstrated an improvement in services such as refuse collection.

The figures, prepared by the Audit Commission, also showed a decline in some services, such as paying invoices promptly and carrying out housing allocations and repairs.

Council leader Albert Wharrad said: "This year has seen us take on board a number of key changes in structure and direction.

"We have completed the three-year Focus on the Future review, which has resulted in £1.3 million savings, balancing the books and putting us on a solid financial footing.

"We are now also implementing area working which will revolutionise the way services are delivered in the new year, making them more suitable to each area in the town and the process of delivery of public services more accountable."

Eight council officers have been given major new roles as part of the drive to make services more accessible.

The council is currently looking for a neighbourhood area manger and an area manager.

The managers will lead five area teams which are currently being established and will be responsible for delivering a whole range of services to different parts of the town.