Herefordshire Council propose council tax increase of 4.99%

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed the proposed 2023/24 budget which will now be put forward for recommendation to Full Council on Friday 10 February 2023.

Following a period of public consultation held in December of last year, and consideration by the Scrutiny Management Board, the proposals were agreed by Cabinet on 26th January.

The proposals include a total council tax increase of 4.99%, made up of:

• A 2% adult social care precept which is ring-fenced to support the delivery of social care services
• A 2.99% increase in core council tax which will fund all other areas of council service

This would increase the band D equivalent charge to £1,786.61 representing an increase of £7.08 a month. Herefordshire Council say the proposed increase is needed to support the continued delivery of vital services across the county and our priority is to get the best possible value for every pound we spend 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.

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.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council will set their council tax precept at their meeting on 13th February.

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 at the Full Council meeting on Friday 3 March 2023.

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