Guide to the council budget
The financial position of local government remains a cause for concern nationally. The council, alongside all local authorities, faces significant financial challenges in the continued delivery of services and improvement. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in inflationary increases with global effect on the price of food, fuel and utilities. The impact of rising inflationary costs and growth in demand for adult and children's social care services places increasing pressure on the future financial sustainability of the council.
Transformation
The council continues to invest in transformation activity to support improvement of its services. The improvement of children's services remains a key corporate priority. Our aim, working alongside strategic partners, is to develop and maintain a high-quality team that will define our vision for children's services, consistently deliver the highest levels of social care and safeguarding practice, and improve outcomes for the children, young people and families of Herefordshire.
Council Tax
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) confirmed on 5 February 2024 that English local authorities will be able to increase the levy by up to 5% for the 2024/25 financial year; 3% for general services and 2% for local authorities with responsibility for social care.
Our priorities
The council budget ensures that corporate and service plans are developed in the context of available resources and that those resources are allocated in line with corporate priorities set out in the County Plan of which value for money is central to its delivery.
"Respecting our past, shaping our future - we will improve the sustainability, connectivity and wellbeing of our county by strengthening our communities, creating a thriving local economy and protecting and enhancing our environment."