Statement from Hitchin Lib Dems on North Herts Council budget for 2024-25

Liberal Democrat councillors on North Herts Council gave their support to the council's budget last Thursday, providing significant investment in green infrastructure and new leisure centre facilities, as well as continued support for those hardest hit by the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The council's revenue budget includes £10k of new funding to introduce "bee corridors" in Hitchin, Baldock and Royston, following the success of previous trials in Letchworth in supporting ecological recovery.

It also provides £25k in additional grant funding - to be split between the council's five local areas - to support voluntary organisations in the face of recent Conservative cuts to county council locality budgets. 

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Ruth Brown said "This is a prudent budget, which protects and enhances what residents value most, and recognises the climate and ecological emergency we are facing."

The budget sees the continuation of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme, which provides council tax relief to those on low incomes, whilst introducing increased premiums on empty and second homes, aiming to encourage owners of these properties to return them into occupation, which will help towards alleviating the housing crisis.

In the capital budget, the council will invest over £3m on decarbonisation of its three leisure centres, following the award of £7.7m in match funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – a project which will deliver significant financial and environmental benefits over time. Royston Leisure Centre will see a £1m extension to provide much-needed additional gym facilities, as well as a possible future learner pool.

Speaking on the budget Cllr Sean Prendergast, Cabinet Member for Housing, said "This budget puts people first. We will increase our staffing levels to continue preventing homelessness, which has increased ten-fold under this government. It is appalling. This administration continues to show unwavering support for the most vulnerable in our community."

As part of the plans, the council agreed to introduce a below-inflation increase in its council tax rate, of 2.99% or around £7.55 for a Band D property, as it continues to deal with the effects of persistent high inflation, as well as the reckless failure of central government to provide an adequate, long-term funding arrangement. 

In contrast, the Conservative-run County Council and Police and Crime Commissioner earlier announced plans for above-inflation increases to their rates (by 4.99% and 6.7% respectively) - further increasing the financial pressure on local households.

Cllr Matt Barnes, Deputy Cabinet Member for Finance & IT, added: "It is fantastic to see the very positive proposals in this budget.

"These investments demonstrate that, despite what some may say, this administration is delivering for people all across the district."