Zero rise on council tax proposed

Hertsmere is proposing to freeze its council tax for the coming year, it was announced at a meeting of the Executive on Wednesday, 13 January.

Councillor John Graham, portfolio holder for finance, raised the issue at the meeting and explained: "We have been in discussion about our budget for many months now and planning ahead for the future.

"We know that people have had a difficult year as we have seen an increase in demand for our services - such as benefits - and right across the country communities have been suffering. We recognise that it has not been easy for many of our residents and our proposal of a zero increase reflects this."

A zero increase on Hertsmere's share of the council tax will mean than an average household (Band D) will still pay an average of £160 a year - that's around £3 a week - for the range of services that Hertsmere provides, such as award-winning parks, leisure activities and waste and recycling.

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

"We felt it appropriate that residents are not put under any further hardship and therefore will be recommending no rise for Hertsmere's services this year and we will do everything we can to protect frontline services and balance the books."

The detailed budget will be considered in full by Executive at its meeting on 10 February.

More information on council tax