WYRE Forest residents are being invited to have their say on this year's district budget plans.

Each year, Wyre Forest District Council sets its budget, taking into account Government grant and requirements for council tax levels.

The cabinet, responsible for recommending the budget to the district council, is proposing, subject to consultation, to set a net budget of £13.5 million, with a planned increase to the district element of the council tax of 2.5 per cent - the lowest for 10 years.

Major budget plans for 2006/2007, if approved, will include environmental imp-rovements to Bridge Street in Stourport, improvements in the provision of public toilets and the installation of CCTV in Stourport and Bewdley.

Cabinet members have also proposed to take local control of parking, to provide additional resources for street cleaning and funding for the renovation of Kidderminster War Memorial.

Residents can give their views about the budget plans at 6pm in Duke House, Clensmore Street in Kidderminster next Thursday during the council's cabinet meeting.

Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Clee, said: "This is an opportunity for residents to get involved. We want to hear what taxpayers think would be the best way to spend their money.

Budget information is currently available on the council's website, which can be found at www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk

A final decision will be made on the budget at the next meeting of the full council on March 1.