Council tax set

Council tax charges for the coming year have been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council.

At the full council meeting last night (25 February), the council tax levy for the borough, town and parish councils for 2009/10 was set at an average increase of 2.8%, the equivalent of just over nine pence extra per household, per week for a band D taxpayer - an increase of £4.90 for the year on the 2008/09 figure.

Of the total council tax residents pay, 77% goes to Hertfordshire County Council, 10% goes to Hertfordshire Police Authority, 2% goes to a local parish or town council if there is one, and 11% will come to us as the borough council - the equivalent of 43 pence per day for an average council tax payer (based on a band D property).

Leader of the Council, Councillor Morris Bright, said: "In this difficult financial climate and in the face of another poor government settlement this council has worked extremely hard to ensure that services are maintained and that costs are kept under control.

"This rise of 2.8% is the lowest rise in Hertsmere for a decade.  We understand this is a difficult time for our residents so we have kept the council tax as low as possible while ensuring there are no cuts to services.

"We will continue to work to ensure the lowest possible council tax and the best possible services."

Councillor John Graham, Finance and Property Portfolio Holder, added: "For an average of £160 a year – that's around £3 a week – Hertsmere Borough Council provides a wide range of services across its communities from award-winning parks, leisure activities and events for people of all ages to collecting waste and recycling."

All households will receive their bills in the coming weeks.

Average charges for band D properties for the year are:

• Borough, plus parish
  Aldenham £249.49 – increase of 2.6%
  Elstree and Borehamwood £183.11 increase of 2.9%
  Ridge £167.18 increase of 2.7%
  Shenley £192.01 increase of 2.4%
  South Mimms £187.84 increase of 2.4% Bushey and Potters Bar £159.91 increase of 2.8%
  
• Plus
  Hertfordshire County Council £1,118.83 increase of 3.5%
  Hertfordshire Police Authority £142.82 increase of 4.5%
  
• Combined charges
  The amount on your bill (Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Police Authority, parish and town council, plus Hertsmere Borough Council)
  Aldenham £1,511.14 - increase of 3.4% Elstree and Borehamwood £1,444.76 increase of 3.5%
  Ridge £1,428.83 increase of 3.5%
  Shenley £1,453.66 increase of 3.4%
  South Mimms £1,449.49 increase of 3.4% Bushey and Potters Bar £1,421.56 increase of 3.5%