HEREFORDSHIRE residents can now have their say on next year’s county council budget.

Residents, businesses, parish councils and partners will be asked about  the councils proposals to deliver a balanced budget in 2019/20.

The council says it will ensure it continues to invest in and deliver services to allow residents to live safe, healthy and independent lives, support the economy and secure better services and value for money.

Herefordshire Council continues to face significant financial pressure, with central government funding almost eliminated by 2020.

Council Tax and business rates currently meet around 40% of the council’s annual costs and fund many services across the county, from waste collection and road maintenance to looking after vulnerable children and adults.

The budget consultation will ask for views on a variety of proposals, such as whether the council should increase borrowing to enable more investment across the county, and a suggested 4.9% increase to next year’s council tax (meaning a total 2.9% increase to core Council Tax and a 2% adult social care precept).

Council leader Jonathan Lester said Herefordshire Council has faced year on year reductions in central government funding alongside increasing demands on the services it provides.

He said: “We welcome feedback from all residents, businesses, parish councils and partners to help inform our budget setting, as we aim to deliver a balanced budget which continues to provide good value, high quality services across the county.”

The consultation will run from July 5 until September 21 – allowing plenty of time for residents and businesses to have their say on how the council should budget for 2019/20.

The survey is quick and easy to complete online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/budgetconsultation

Questions, ideas and comments can be emailed to haveyoursay@herefordshire.gov.uk, shared on Facebook and Twitter at #hfdsbudget or by contacting your local councillor or parish council.