Have your say on our budget proposals

There's a chance for everyone to have their say on our budgets for the next financial year (2023/24).

Next year's draft revenue budget summary and the capital budget are now open for public comments before they are put forward for final approval at a full council meeting on 22 February.

More information about this year's draft budgets can be found at www.hertsmere.gov.uk/budgetconsultation

The draft papers offer a detailed insight into the current economic and other external influences and the challenges we have faced in presenting a balanced budget in light of significant pressures brought by high inflation. They also explain how higher-than-anticipated central government funding has helped in part to offset some of these pressures.

Our Portfolio Holder for Finance, Cllr Abhishek Sachdev, explained: "There's now an opportunity for everyone to review our proposals and provide us with comments.

"We are recommending an increase of 2.99 per cent for our share of council tax in the budget for this forthcoming financial year which will be essential to enable us to continue to deliver our range of services for Hertsmere's residents. The proposed increase, equivalent to £5.75 (based on the Band D council tax band), is well below the current rate of inflation showing that we continue to do all we can to minimise the impact on our residents whilst maintaining those services.

"I would like to thank council staff for their hard work in drawing up this draft budget, work that is recognised by external auditors who have commented on the 'sound and prudent' financial management during the course of their inspection.

"We'll be seeking final approval of our budgets at our full council meeting at the end of February and, in the meantime, welcome comments on the proposals."

In order to help fund the proposed revenue budget, a 2.99 per cent (equivalent to £5.75 for an average band D property) increase in our share of council tax bills is being proposed. This would represent around 11p increase per week per average household for the coming year.

Under the proposals, a resident in a Band D property would pay an average of £198.08 in council tax to us for our services for the year 2023/4 - just 54p per day.

The proposed council tax charge will fund the key services we provide including waste and recycling; local planning; housing; parks and open spaces; street cleaning and environmental health; benefits administration and contributions towards Police Community Support Officers and Citizens Advice.

Posted on Friday 13th January 2023

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