Extra Govt Funding for County

[Ubique]

HCC Press release

Herefordshire Council welcomes the announcement in the latest Local Government Finance Settlement, which will see additional funding for the county.

The funding includes just over £1m in recognition of the extra costs associated with delivering services in a sparsely populated rural county. Theres also an additional £550,000 to support adult social care services, which continue to face serious pressures due to the rapid growth in the number of older people within Herefordshire and those living with a lifelong disability. The gap between demand for adult social care services and the resources available to provide them, is nationally estimated to be around £2.3bn.

Councillor Nigel Shaw, Cabinet member for finance, housing and ICT, said:

Were pleased the government has recognised the challenges we face when delivering services in a rural county, by awarding us additional funding.

Unfortunately, this additional funding is a one off payment for 2018/19, so cant be relied upon going forward. We continue to face cuts to our ongoing funding from the government; it's reducing by £203,000 in the same year. As adult social care costs are significantly increasing, its imperative that we carefully consider how best to use this extra funding, to ensure maximum benefit for local residents. We will continue to ensure that residents are enabled to live safe, healthy and independent lives across Herefordshire.

Just wondering if this additional funding will mean that the council,Tax for t2018/2019 will be reduced

- I doubt it very much .