Hertfordshire county council tax rising by 4.99%
The council say they've been forced to make the "difficult decision" amidst a "challenging economic outlook"
Hertfordshire residents will see their Council Tax increase by 4.99% from April, adding £1.62 per week for a typical Band D household. The county council approved the rise as part of its £1.1bn budget for 2025/26, citing rising costs, inflation, and increased employer National Insurance contributions.
Councillor Richard Roberts, Leader of the Council, said: “The economic outlook remains challenging, and we have had to make difficult decisions. This budget allows us to continue delivering vital services while managing financial pressures.”
The largest share of the budget—nearly £500m—will go towards adult care, supporting 30,000 people across the county. This includes £30m to increase payments to care providers, ensuring staff receive a fair wage and offsetting higher costs in the sector. An additional £26m will help meet growing demand for adult social care, particularly among older residents.
More than £289m has been allocated to children’s services, which will fund education for over 200,000 pupils, social care for nearly 1,000 children, and additional support for children with disabilities. A further £2.8m has been set aside for the council’s SEND improvement programme, adding to an earlier £7m investment.
Highways maintenance will receive £100m, with plans for road repairs, pothole fixes, and improvements to transport networks. The budget also includes funding for flood protection, waste disposal, and environmental projects, including the maintenance of footpaths and nature reserves.
To reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, the council aims to save £42m through internal cost-cutting measures, including £16m in efficiencies from an ongoing restructuring programme. Despite these savings, the council says it will still need to use some of its reserves to balance the budget.
Councillor Bob Deering, Executive Member for Resources & Performance, said: “We know any increase is difficult for residents, but this budget ensures we can continue supporting those who need it most. Care services, education, and road maintenance remain our priorities, and this funding will help us manage the pressures we face while keeping services running.”