Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

Why have Council Tax percentage increases been so high?

Answer:

Since 1998/99 to date Herefordshire Council’s percentage increases have been high, however they have been in line with the national increases.

It can be misleading to look purely at the percentage increase in council tax: for the first five budgets of the new Herefordshire Council, our council tax charge was the lowest in the West Midlands.

Herefordshire Council’s council tax charge remains one of the lowest in the West Midlands and is also lower than the average for all similar (all-purpose) councils and lower than the average council tax for England.

Central Government’s assumption for Herefordshire Council’s spending has been:

• an average increase of 7% per annum

this has been supported by:

• an average Central Government Grant increase of 5% per annum

and therefore the level assumed to be met by council tax:

• has increased by 9% per annum.

Contact for further information: Principal Financial Policy Manager, Tel: 01432 261865
Email: smc@herefordshire.gov.uk

Last Updated: 22 May 06,

Review Date: 20 September 2005