Full Council approves Business Plan and Budget for 2025-26

The Business Plan outlines the key projects which align to the council's priorities. Among the proposals is the continuation of investment into our town centres totalling £300k, including the creation of a new design guide for Hatfield Town Centre and the delivery of public realm improvement in Market Place, Hatfield using UK Shared Prosperity Funding from central Government. A masterplan for Welwyn Garden City town centre will also be developed.

Additionally, £6 million is earmarked for new council housing, alongside £58 million of capital investment to upgrade our existing housing stock, this includes the upgrade of kitchens, bathroom, windows and boilers. This investment is predominantly funded through rents and additional government support targeted to improve energy efficiency of homes.

In response to inflation and funding uncertainty, most fees and charges will increase in line with inflation, as per the Council’s fees and charges strategy. The average Band D Council Tax for the Borough Council is proposed to increase by £7.11 per year (less than 14p per week), with the Council only keeping 11% of total council tax collected, and housing rents will rise by 2.7%, in accordance with Government guidance.

Cllr Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Climate Change, said:

"The challenge of delivering a balanced budget grows each year. This budget has been developed amid continued uncertainty, following the continuing cost-of-living crisis and persistent high inflation. While difficult decisions have been necessary, we are confident that the Business Plan will deliver on our key priorities for both the community and the Council. I also want to remind residents that if you are struggling with the cost of living, support may be available, and more details can be found on the council’s website."

Cllr Jane Quinton, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Community & Cultural Services, added:

"With Government funding remaining uncertain and grants continuing to decline, our priority remains to provide high-quality services that keep the community at the heart of everything we do, and our Business Plan reflects that. We recognise the impact of rising fees and charges on residents and have worked hard to minimise increases wherever possible."

The Full Council meeting and papers can be found online.