Frequently Asked Questions

Question:

Why doesn't the Council reduce costs to keep the council tax rise in line with inflation?

Answer:

Whilst continually looking for economies and cost reductions the Council finds its options limited.

Within the Council’s budget there are many items where budget reductions cannot be made and these represent a significant part of the budget each year.

Education and Social Care represent two thirds of Herefordshire Council’s budget.

The Council is required to meet Central Government’s Education agenda, which expect education budgets to increase by approximately 5-6% per annum.

With the increasing elderly population in Herefordshire there is limited scope for budget reductions within Social Care.

About 20% of the budget are those services where the budgets can be scrutinised to identify the cost reductions available.

However, it is often difficult to make budget reductions in the majority of these areas, as they are mainly statutory functions and involve compliance with legislation or are of a nature where the public in general are supportive of the service provided e.g. Leisure Centres.

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