Hertsmere Borough Council laid out their draft budget for 2026/27 on Wednesday 14 January for discussion and consideration by Cabinet.
The draft revenue budget 2026/27 shows a fully funded position taking into account the Government’s Fair Funding Review and the resulting three-year financial settlement.
Cllr Chris Shenton, Cabinet Member for Finance and Budget introducing the report said:
“The Fair Funding Review has been more beneficial to Hertsmere than expected, reflecting the council’s good financial discipline in its management of business rates over recent years.
“This means that we have been able to retain more of our business rates growth than we could otherwise have expected, providing financial certainty over the next three years. As well as balancing the budget for next year this has also bridged our potential funding gap for the next three years.
“This will let us put more resources into priority frontline services.”
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of the Council said:
“Following on from the Fair Funding Review announced by The Secretary of State in December, Hertsmere will benefit from the funding in that there will be more money available to us for key essential services, and I am able to announce a significant package of immediate investment in frontline services and economic growth that will begin right away with additional investment of £0.6 million as soon as we enter the new financial year.”
Cllr Newmark continued :
“That’s why I am taking the unprecedented step of introducing an amendment to the budget proposals to encompass and bring forward the work our Cabinet has done on that package since Christmas.
“In addition to the budget plans we are bringing forward a series of new measures rooted in our commitment to increase pride in our local places, and to deliver opportunity and prosperity by growing those sectors that contribute the most to our local economy.
“Residents and businesses have raised their voices in recent months about the state of our public realm, and cuts to public service have impacted upon the state of our streets and our high streets.”
The new measures are :
- £280,000 per annum investment in our borough street cleaning services, new teams, more vehicles, new equipment, a return to regular washing of our pavements and surfaces, an increase in litter cleaning patrols, and enhanced capacity to attend and clear flytips just as soon as we have collected evidence that can be used to identify and prosecute those responsible.
- £200,000 per annum investment in our community enforcement programme, more red vested officers who have added an increased sense of security across the borough, more patrols, and more legal and logistical support for the frontline team to see issues through until closure.
- A £75,000 per annum Screen Investment Growth Fund which will keep Hertsmere out in front when attracting BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar winning production companies to our area, bringing with them growth, jobs and opportunities.
- And an increase in Ward Improvement Initiative Scheme funding to individual ward councillors in areas impacted by deprivation so that meaningful intervention can happen at grass roots level.
Cllr Newmark concluded :
“These measures are intended to increase pride in our local places. The budget will be out for public consultation soon and I would encourage residents and businesses to have your say before the final decisions are made. “