Last night, the local authority approved a budget of £10.52m for 2022-23 which includes money to upgrade online services, and funds to improve local parks and open spaces.

It has also set aside £1.5m as part of an effort to put ‘our money where our mouth is on climate change.’

‘The council has identified another £300,000 in savings and additional income this year, and put £59,000 towards improving access to our online services that are now used by so many people,’ said Cllr Mike Rouse, Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for finance and enabling.

‘The improved capital programme meanwhile puts our money where our mouth is on climate change, with £1.5m to improve and look at decarbonising the fleet of vehicles that serves Redditch.’

Cllr Matt Dormer, leader of Redditch Borough Council, commented: ‘The town hall’s finances are more challenging than ever, plus the fact that more people are approaching us for help in these difficult times. But we’ve never shied away from a challenge, that’s what we’re here to do. And despite the challenges there’s much to be excited about.’