At its meeting, the Full Council agreed to allocate a total of £19m to deliver local services in 2025/26, ensuring frontline services remain protected while prioritising key areas for residents, including planning enforcement and funding for Citizens Advice.
In response to ongoing financial pressures - including reductions in government grants, rising service delivery costs, and increased borrowing expenses - some charges will be adjusted. The annual garden waste subscription fee will increase by £10, from £49 to £59, to help cover operational costs, while short-stay parking tariffs will rise to encourage more sustainable travel for shorter journeys.
Investment across the district will continue, supported by central government funding allocated to East Herts through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds have already helped hundreds of local businesses expand and diversify, strengthened community and voluntary groups, and enhanced town centres. This year, funds will be directed towards initiatives that align with the council’s key priorities.
Councillors also approved a 2.98% increase in the district’s share of the council tax bill, meaning the average Band D property will pay £201.04 per year for East Herts Council services.
Cllr Carl Brittain, Executive Member for Financial Sustainability, said: “We have carefully considered all possible ways to generate income and reduce costs while prioritising the needs of our residents, businesses, and communities in our decisions."
“We’ve worked hard to improve efficiency and make the most of our assets, but there is only so much we can achieve through these measures alone. As a result, we have had to make difficult decisions to ensure we can continue delivering the services that local people rely on most.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to listening to residents and ensuring that every pound we spend delivers real benefits for our communities.”
