THE town's latest budget means taxes should not increase for householders next year.

Droitwich Spa Town Council's finance committee revealed its draft estimates for the financial year 2001-2002 at a meeting on Monday night.

Committee chairman Cllr Hugh Hamilton (Con. Droit.Central) tabled the estimates for approval and noted the net expenditure would remain identical to the previous year.

He said: "The council is determined to give best value and provide a first class service to the people of Droitwich without the need to increase taxes.

"An example of this is the proposed new £6,000 computer system for the authority which would bring efficiencies and benefits."

The estimate for maintenance of bus shelters has more than quadrupled to help the council clean up or replace those targeted by vandals.

Users of improved allotments will see their rates rise by £2 which Cllr Frank Payne (Lab, Droit.West) said was unwarranted. He said they should be halved.

Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab, Droit.West) welcomed some aspects of the budget but said the figures only added up because the council has reduced its estimate for concessionary bus fares from nearly £40,000 to £25,000.

But Cllr Hamilton said that because of a new government policy, set to be introduced in April, the structure of how funds for bus passes are met would probably change.

The draft report states that £25,000 will be put aside so the council can make a "meaningful contribution" to whichever scheme is in place.

The draft estimates will be put before the full council on January 8 for approval.