Town Council tax precept to increase by 17pc

Hertford Town Council have set a budget for 2026-7, increasing the authority's share of Council Tax by 16.8%.

At a meeting of Full Council on 19th January 2026, councillors agreed to an annual total of £146.57 per Band D household.

In the coming financial, year, the Council plans to enhance Hertford's historic Seed Warehouse to improve its long-term sustainability, as a community resource for local groups to meet, hold classes and enjoy events.

The Council is also protecting Hertford’s green spaces and planning further street cleaning exercises, following the excellent response to a bonus deep clean last summer.

Hertford Town Council has taken on the maintenance of over twenty planters across Hertford, along with raised flower beds. These planters, including those previously maintained by East Herts Council, will now be part of a unified planting scheme which includes planting perennials that bring a pop of colour and vibrancy to the town, whilst supporting bees and butterflies.

The Council voted to keep the precept increase as low as possible, utilising earmarked reserves and operational income, while ensuring continued good governance for key projects across Hertford and stability during the forthcoming Governmental changes to local democracy.

The Council is grateful to the people of Hertford for responding to our consultation on the budget at the end of last year – understanding what matters most to our residents has been essential to setting a budget that continues to support and invest in Hertford.

The Town Council relies on the precept for around three quarters of its income each year. This increase, equivalent to about 41p per week, allows the Council to continue to serve the people of Hertford and the village of Hertingfordbury, by providing vital services.

Hertford Town Council is a Gold** standard Council, that delivers a comprehensive service which includes: managing eight allotments sites, the cemetery and closed churchyards, the recently improved Pinehurst Play Area, taxi marshals; supporting Hertford Museum; maintaining the war memorial, planters and CCTV in the town centre; as well as allocating grants to local community groups and charities and offering a wide programme of free community events.

As well as running the Town and Tourist Information Centre, the Council is the lead partner on the project that plans to improve the grounds of Hertford Castle. The Council also supports the local community group that is leading a plan for the future of the Castle Plus area - in terms of valuing heritage, enhancing facilities, improving wellbeing, supporting business and protecting greenspaces; all aiming to meet the town’s long-term needs.

The Council also has further initiatives underway – to protect greenspaces, reduce litter, encourage cycling and welcome visitors to the town, to boost the local economy, in a sustainable way. Whatever is happening nationally and at various levels of local government, the Town Council’s priority is, and always has been, our vibrant and diverse community. The Council will continue to work in partnership with its residents, local groups and businesses - coming together to promote, enhance and preserve Hertford - its nature, its waterways, its landmarks and its unique and wonderful heritage.

:: Councillor Steven Watson, Chair of the Finance, Policy and Administration Committee

Hertford Town Council is one of four local authorities whose precepts make up Council Tax, the other three being Hertfordshire County Council, East Herts District Council and the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner.