Hertfordshire County Council has raised council tax due to increasing financial pressures.

According to the local authority, the increase will be made to "protect vital services".

READ MORE

The decision was made during a budget meeting today (Tuesday, February 21), when councillors voted to increase council tax by 4.99 per cent.

This means that a Band D household will now pay £1,605.63, an increase of £1.47 per week.

This change will come into force in April this year.

The council's budget for 2023/24 will also see £121 million of extra funding awarded to services.

Cllr Richard Roberts, leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It is with heavy hearts that we find ourselves having to increase council tax, and we haven’t taken this decision lightly.

                                                                                                         

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to The Comet In Brief newsletter.

                                                                                                         

"The alternative to this rise in council tax would have resulted in substantial cuts to some of the very services that are protecting those most in need, and those services helping residents manage the rising cost of living.

“I promised last year that we would do everything we can to protect services, and through sound financial management we have succeeded in closing the deficit in our budget caused by rampant inflation and rising bills.

"This prudence and quick action means that we can fulfil our commitment to the people of Hertfordshire and protect the services that so many tell us are vital.”

Cllr Bob Deering, Hertfordshire County Council's executive member for resources and performance, added: "I was pleased to present our budget for the 2023/24 financial year.

"We will be investing an additional £121 million into our services, an increase of 12 per cent, and spending over £1 billion overall.

"Raising council tax has been the last resort to ensure that we can protect and continue to invest in the services that Hertfordshire residents tell us are important.

"By looking at where we can save money and tighten our own belts, and by using reserves previously built up over time we believe we have struck the right balance that will protect those who need us the most, provide the best start in life for our children and continue to make Hertfordshire a place where people want to live, work and invest for the future.”