Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is set to increase the amount of council tax people pay by 4.99 per cent, including two per cent specifically for social care.
Having been approved by the council on Monday, January 16, the new budget has also sought to make some savings, with £27.4 million in savings needed to be found for the 2023/24 financial year.
HCC has stated that only £2.9million worth of these savings will have an effect on services. Overall, the council has stated that it expects to spend more than £1 billion over the next year on service provision.
Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on HCC, has slammed the plans, stating: “Vital local services need to be supported in this time of need, especially for the poorest in society. Cuts to these services are not tolerable.”
Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of HCC, said: “Cllr Giles-Medhurst’s numbers are all over the place and of course, Lib Dem councils will also be putting up taxes.
“We think we have the right balance of government grant, really helpful around social care; council tax increase, which at five per cent is less than half the rate of inflation; and the biggest savings package for years (£27million). We said we would move heaven and earth to protect the vulnerable and we have.”
The changes will come into effect on Saturday, April 1.
Photo Credit: JThomas
Takes the piss where are people meant to find this money I’m already returning my garden waste due a 20% hike.