Herefordshire Council approves budget and Council Tax for 2022/23

[Hereford Voice]

Following a period of public consultation held in the Autumn of last year, two full rounds of Scrutiny by the council’s three committees and Cabinet agreement, the proposals were today (11 February) approved by Council.

The budget includes a council tax increase of 2.99%, made up of:

A 1% adult social care precept which is ring-fenced to support the delivery of adult social care services

A 1.99% increase in core council tax which will fund all other areas of council service

This will increase the band D equivalent charge to £1,701.70 representing an increase of £0.95 per week (£4.12 a month).

Councillor Liz Harvey, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, said:

“It continues to be a challenging climate locally and nationally, and the pressure on Local Authorities across the country is as intense as ever. Council Tax makes up around a third of the Council’s budget, so this increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county.

“Our priority is to get the best possible value for every pound spent, but we acknowledge that it is a difficult time for many local households. This is why we have ensured that the discount on the council tax reduction scheme for any struggling family which qualifies will remain at 100% for the coming year – irrespective of the price banding of their home.

“We will also almost triple the budget made available to fund the council tax discretionary hardship scheme from £272,000 to £772,000. Additionally, some residents will continue to pay no Council Tax at all, such as young adults who have left care and also all of the council’s Foster Carer families.”

The final setting of Council Tax, which will include the precepts for all the county’s parishes plus Police and Crime Commissioner and Hereford & Worcester Fire Authority charges, will take place on 4 March.

More information and advice on reduction schemes and allowances can be found on the council's website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/counciltax.

The proposed budget 2022/23 was approved with one agreed amendment, to delay the inflation uplift of 10p per hour on parking charges planned for 2022/23 and instead to implement an inflation uplift to parking charges in 2024/25.

Cllr Harrington, Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure, said:

“I am pleased that we have been able to find additional funds to delay the proposed inflation linked increases in car parking charges. I expect we shall soon be able to offer wider choices for reliable alternatives to travel for residents and visitors who travel within the county and between Herefordshire and our neighbouring areas.”