Worcestershire County Council plans to raise tax by more than 5%

Cabinet papers show that the council will also ask the government for exceptional financial support for a second year running, with a government decision expected by 20 February.

Last year, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government awarded 30 councils exceptional financial support, external, almost 10% of principal local authorities in England.

The government also gave six councils permission to increase council tax above 5%, setting limits of between 7.5% and 10%.

Support worth £33.6m will be needed to help Worcestershire County Council break even in the 2025-26 financial year, according to the cabinet.

It said savings across the authority and a reduction in borrowing had helped offset an £11.7m overspend across council services.