Hertsmere residents now have the opportunity to claim a refund on this year’s increase of our share of the council tax liability.
The scheme enables residents to opt in for a credit against their 2023/24 council tax liability, with any unclaimed refunds being set aside to support the borough’s most vulnerable households.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council, said: “Through this innovative scheme, we are meeting the commitment we made to put money back in people’s pockets during this cost of living crisis.
“And for those who don’t wish to opt in, we give them assurances that the unclaimed money will be set aside in the Council Tax Support Scheme to help our most vulnerable households.”
Our share of the council tax bill equated to an increase of between £5.32 to £5.82 for a band D property depending on whether in a parish council area. This constitutes around 10 per cent of the overall council tax payment residents make. The remainder goes to Hertfordshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire and parish and town councils where applicable.
The maximum cost of refunding these amounts will be just over £250,000, dependent on uptake.
Cllr Chris Shenton, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Budget, added: “From today (22 August) residents can opt in either online or by calling us. The opt-in period will run for 12 weeks until 13 November 2023, giving everyone plenty of time to claim.”
Posted on Tuesday 22nd August 2023