Budget approved as council balances books amidst ongoing financial pressures
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has set its 2023/24 budget with no cuts to essential services, despite the legacy of COVID-19 on income and the impact of inflation and higher utility costs.
Ongoing projects including work in Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield town centre, and at the High View site mean that the council is set to deliver a total of £253m capital investment in the borough. This includes:
- Ongoing delivery of new, affordable homes
- Initiatives to cut the council's carbon footprint, including more electric vehicle charging points
- Continued regeneration of both Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City town centres
- A major programme of investment in the planned maintenance of council-owned homes
- A brand new crematorium at the Lawn Cemetery to meet local demand
Councillor Stephen Boulton, Executive Member for Resources and Planning, said: "We are extremely proud of our record of setting a balanced budget with minimal impact on essential services."
"We have continued to work hard and with increased efficiency, managing to deliver a large number of savings through new ways of working. Reluctantly however, we have also needed to increase some fees for discretionary services. Clearly, these will not be popular but they allow us to continue providing the services residents value the most."