We spend more than £1.2 billion every year to deliver over 500 council services, which benefit every resident, business and community in Hertfordshire.
On 17 February 2026, Hertfordshire's county councillors agreed our budget for 2026/27.
This year, we've raised our element of your Council Tax bill by 4.99% (2% for the adult social care precept and 2.99% for general Council Tax).
This increase is essential to meet the challenges we're facing.
Our Council Tax increase works out to be just over £1.70 extra a week for the average household, which will be invested into vital services.
We are on your side. Our ambitious and affordable budget will help deliver our vision for a sustainable, inclusive and thriving Hertfordshire. We will spend £1.2 billion on hundreds of vital services, with increased investment in the areas you told us matter most.
We are investing an extra £47 million to support those most in need, including significant funding for the hundreds of thousands of hours of care delivered by our adult care workforce. We will also continue investing in technology and innovation to help people stay fit, healthy and independent for longer.
Our commitment to helping all children and young people thrive is reinforced by an additional £32 million for frontline delivery. This includes over £6 million to improve opportunities for children and young people with SEND and £16 million to ensure children we look after, and those with disabilities, can live in safe, caring homes.
We are determined to fix our roads and buses and will spend £135 million on frontline delivery in growth and environment services, including £77 million on highways and transport so residents have a safe, efficient and sustainable network.
While we would like to do even more, the financial challenges we face are greater than ever. Even after maximising efficiencies and reducing costs, we need to increase Council Tax by 2.99% plus 2% for Adult Social Care, as in previous years. This is a difficult but necessary decision to ensure we continue supporting Hertfordshire’s communities with high-quality services that positively impact people’s lives.
Steve Jarvis
Leader of Hertfordshire County Council