Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed the proposed 2022/23 budget which will now be put forward for recommendation to Full Council on Friday 11 February 2022.
Following a period of public consultation held in the Autumn of last year, and after two full rounds of Scrutiny by the council’s three committees, the proposals were yesterday (31 January) agreed by Cabinet.
The proposals include a total council tax increase of 2.99%, made up of:
- A 1% adult social care precept which is ring-fenced to support the delivery of social care services
- A 1.99% increase in core council tax which will fund all other areas of council service
This would increase the band D equivalent charge to £1,701.70 representing an increase of £0.95 per week (£4.12 a month). The council’s cabinet says the proposed increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county and that priority is to get the best possible value for every pound that is spent on the people of Herefordshire.
The discount on the council tax reduction (CTR) scheme for any struggling family which qualifies will remain at 100% for the coming year – irrespective of the price banding of their home. Cabinet also proposes to almost triple the budget made available to fund discretionary housing scheme payments for families just failing to qualify for CTR 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 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.
Residents on a low income may be eligible for help to pay their bill through the Council Tax Reduction scheme.
More information and advice on reduction schemes and allowances can be found on the Herefordshire Council website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/counciltax
