Hertfordshire County Council is set to add an extra £1.5 million to its 2026-27 budget to boost services that matter to residents — from better roads to support for care leavers and cleaner air around schools and care homes. 

The additional funding comes after the council's budget consultation and scrutiny process, in which people across the county shared their priorities for local spending. 

Here's how the cash will be used:

📈 Support for care leavers

Council tax support for young people in care is being extended. Care leavers will now be exempt from paying council tax until the age of 25, rather than 21 — helping ease the cost of living as they move into independent adulthood. 

🚧 Roads, pavements and greener travel

An extra £1 million will be spent on highways and transport services, including:

• more grass and vegetation cutting along roads and footpaths
• clearing extra drains and gullies to reduce flooding risk
• improvements to walking and cycling routes

The investment aims to make journeys smoother and safer for drivers, walkers and cyclists alike. 

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🌿 Cleaner air for schools and care homes

£350,000 has been added to the budget for air quality projects, bringing the total for this area to £500,000. This will focus on reducing pollution around schools and residential care homes, where cleaner air can have a big impact on health. 

Councillors 'listening to residents'

Council leader Cllr Steve Jarvis said the extra funding reflects what residents care about most and shows the council is listening to feedback from across Hertfordshire. He emphasised that the council is focused on helping young people, maintaining roads and building a healthier, more sustainable county. 

The draft budget will now go to the County Council's Cabinet meeting on 11 February, and then to Full Council on 17 February for final approval — both of which will be webcast live.