Tax hike to clean streets

The depot's budget was originally estimated to be £2.5million for the next financial year but in December, as part of the district council's recovery plan, officers estimated that an increase of 10 per cent was needed.

Then a month later, in the agenda for January's executive cabinet meeting, officers said this was a 'significant underestimate' and that an increase of a further 10 per cent was required.

The final budget for 2005/06 will be finalised any day now.

Councillor Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch), the portfolio holder for finance, said: "We are trying to get to grips with the finances. We spoke to the public to ask what they wanted from the council. The highest priority was safe, clean and tidy streets and the clean and tidy element is the responsibility of the depot."

Cllr Hollingworth added the money would be spent on improving basic services such as grass cutting, litter picking and street sweeping. It will be used to provide equipment, as well as pay for manpower.

He claimed previous administrations had been forced to cut corners on the depot budget in order to give the lowest quote.

Bromsgrove District Council has responsibility to sweep the streets of the town eight times a year.

Cllr Nick Psirides (Ind-Norton), who has worked as an accountant, said: "According to the Environmental Protection Act, the council should be aware of the standard of cleanliness required of its streets."

He added: "It appears they have been caught on the hop and failed to provide the adequate funding at the start of the financial year."

Leader of the opposition Geoff Denaro (WRRA-Drakes Cross and Walkers Heath) said: "I am concerned that there hasn't been proper accounting procedures in all directions at the depot but I wouldn't want to pre-judge the audit commission. It seems like the depot is a black hole and I think everybody should be concerned about it."

kate.hughes@midlands.

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