Councillors are to be asked to re-consider the introduction of entry fees for next year's Worcester Show as the City Council continues work to close its budget gap.
Members of the Policy and Resources Committee are to be asked to back the move to charge £2 admission at the annual summer Show as part of a package of measures designed to help ensure that discretionary services and events are self-funding.
Increasing fees for allotments and reducing the operating hours of city centre fountains are also included in the City Council's latest savings proposals.
A wide range of financial improvements have already been agreed by the committee members, who are committed to ensuring that the Council's books are balanced by the time that the 2024-25 budget is set in February. The £2.25m gap identified earlier this year has now been reduced to around £500,000, with further actions for savings to be identified in the coming months.
If the committee decides to back the preferred options in the report, there would be a £2 admission charge for the Worcester Show and phased increases in the cost of renting an allotment, along with a separate charge for those wishing to use mains water at the allotments. Cripplegate and South Quay fountains would only be operational between May and September, being switched off at other times, to bring them in line with previous agreements about the Splashpad in Gheluvelt Park.
Backing the three proposals will save the council more than £60,000 every year.
The moves will be considered at a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee on October 16.
Worcester City Council's Director of Finance and Resources, Shane Flynn, said: "The Council has shown great resolve in remaining committed to its savings plan and is continuing to look for ways to cut costs without ceasing any services. Making a series of small changes can help make significant savings."
