HEREFORDSHIRE Council is asking residents their views on the potential rise of council tax next year (2022/23).

The council states that next year they are not facing the same 'significant funding gap' a last year.

As part of the consultation Herefordshire Council is asking for views on a proposed council tax increase for next year.

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The survey says: "Last year, for 2021/22, due to the large scale savings required amounting to £11.205million, Council Tax was increased by 4.99% (1.99% general Council Tax and 3.00% Social Care Precept) which raised only £3.2 million due to a tax base decrease.

"For next year, 2022/2023 savings of this magnitude are not anticipated and the council would like your views on the level of Council Tax that it should consider for 2022/2023.

  • Option A: To increase Council Tax in 2022/23 by 2.99% general Council Tax. This would be an increase of £49.40 per year (or £4.12 per month) for a band D household and would raise an additional £3.4 million.
  • Option B: To increase Council Tax in 2022/23 by 1.99% general Council Tax This would be an increase of £32.88 per year (or £2.74 per month) for a band D household and would raise an additional £2.2 million.
  • Option C: To increase Council Tax in 2022/23 by 0.99% general Council Tax This would be an increase of £16.36 per year (or £1.36 per month) for a band D household and would raise an additional £1.1 million.

Councillor Liz Harvey, cabinet member for finance and corporate services said: “While the council budget remains constrained, this year the council is not facing such a significant funding gap.

“We are asking residents to let us know how the council can best support post-covid recovery in Herefordshire and about the changes they want to see to ensure council services and facilities are effective, affordable and environmentally friendly.

“We are committed to balancing our budget while also continuing to improve the efficiency with which we deliver the services that our communities need and rely on.

"This is why it is important that we consult widely in putting our plans together, and why it is so important that you share your views on our proposed budget.

"What you tell us will help us to get the best value for every pound we spend, so we can continue to serve all residents according to their needs and support the most vulnerable in our community as we plan for the future.”

The council is also consulting on the proposed council tax reduction scheme for 2022/23.

The council tax reduction scheme reduces council tax payable by working age households on a low income.

You can take part in the budget consultation on the council’s website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/budget-consultation

The budget consultation will run until Monday, October 4.