Watford’s councillors have voted in favour of budget proposals which protect frontline services and recognise the impact of the current cost of living emergency on residents, families, and businesses.
They also voted to invest in a number of programmes which will improve the local environment and support Watford Council’s ambition to be a net zero carbon borough by 2030.
In addition, the budget this year sets aside funds for a range of improvements to Watford’s award-winning parks and green spaces. It will also support a programme of capital works that aim to improve quality of life for communities and the future prosperity of local businesses. The capital budget has been carefully managed to ensure that these priority projects can be delivered despite the current financial circumstances
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said “This is a difficult time for many families, with prices for energy, food and other utilities soaring. My priority has been to protect really important local services and make sure residents get value for money.”
“Over the last 10 years, Watford Council’s funding from central government has been cut by over 50% in real terms, but we have increased our income from commercial property rent and invested in front line services. It is so important to have great parks, a thriving town centre and a high-quality local environment. We are responding to this difficult period by protecting local services and helping people through the cost of living emergency.”
Funding in the following areas has been agreed:
- Wellbeing: the council is investing in local parks and playgrounds and has set aside funds to improve the sports facilities at Woodside.
- Caring for the local environment: Financial support has been agreed for a number of projects that will improve natural habitats and biodiversity including the Cassiobury Park Wetlands Restoration project and the ‘Rediscovering the River Colne’ project. £50k has been set aside for more tree planting across the borough. The budget also includes an additional £500,000 sustainability reserve fund which will be used to implement the council’s climate and ecological emergency plan, helping the council reach net zero by 2030.
- Supporting local businesses – the council is investing in the regeneration of Watford Business Park – a key employment hub in the town. Further improvements will be made to the streetscape in Queens Road, St Albans Road and St Mary’s churchyard. £200k will be invested to improve local parades of shops around the borough. Funding to progress plans for a Town Hall Quarter which will include refurbishment of the iconic Town Hall and Colosseum buildings and creation of new housing and a business innovation hub has also been agreed.
- New boundary signs: £65k has been set aside to replace boundary signage on all main routes into the borough
- Affordable homes: construction will start on Phase 3 of Croxley view – delivered by Hart Homes - a joint venture between the council and Watford Community Housing Trust to provide more affordable housing for local people.
With current inflation above 10%, it has been necessary to increase the council tax by the maximum allowed by the government without a referendum at 2.99%. This is an extra 16p a week for a Band D property. It is expected that the majority of Councils will follow suit. Councillors also agreed to raise fees and charges to maintain subsidy or cost recovery for services.
Hertfordshire Country Council who receives the largest share of council tax revenue and the Police and Crime Commission, have yet to finalise their council tax figures, so the final 2023-24 sum will be announced in March.
For more information, please visit www.watford.gov.uk
