Watford Borough Council (WBC) has revealed its budget for the next financial year.
At a full council meeting on Tuesday, January 28, WBC reflected on the country’s “significant financial challenges due to inflation, rising costs, and increased demand for services”.
Over the past decade, WBC’s grant funding from central government has been cut by more than 50 per cent.
WBC has allocated £261,000 to replace its fleet with electric vehicles, £50,000 for improved footpaths in Cassiobury Park and the nature reserve, £25,000 for shrub replacements, and £247,000 for the restoration of the River Colne and Cassiobury Wetlands.
It also allocated £466,000 for cycle and road improvements, £200,000 for the second phase of St Albans Road upgrades, £100,000 for shopping parade improvements, and £37million to the Capital Investment Programme for essential infrastructure, upgrading public spaces and community projects.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor revealed that Watford’s share of council tax will increase by 2.99 per cent.
He said: “The Conservative-run Hertfordshire County Council plans to increase their share of bills by 4.99 per cent and the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner plans to increase his share of bills by 5.57 per cent. For every £1 of council tax you pay, WBC receives just 13p.
“I am proud that we have agreed a budget which ensures Watford continues to thrive while protecting the services and projects that matter most to our residents.
“In the face of soaring costs and limited government support, we’re taking tough decisions and investing wisely to deliver for our community.”
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