Reform-led Worcestershire set to issue England’s largest council tax rise

St John’s church in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. Worcestershire is one of a handful of authorities whose requests to increase local rates above the standard 5% cap from April have been accepted. Photograph: Steve O’Prey/Alamy

Reform-led Worcestershire county council is likely to issue England’s largest council tax rise this April after it was given special permission by the government to increase it by up to 9%.

Worcestershire is one of a handful of authorities whose requests to be allowed to increase local rates above the standard 5% cap from April have been accepted by ministers.