Council tax in Royston going up about 12 pence a week

COUNCIL tax in Royston is set to rise by at least 12 pence a week for an average Band D house next year. This week North Herts district council s cabinet agreed to raise their council tax levy by 1.5 per cent, or just under six pence for an average Band D

COUNCIL tax in Royston is set to rise by at least 12 pence a week for an average Band D house next year.

This week North Herts district council's cabinet agreed to raise their council tax levy by 1.5 per cent, or just under six pence for an average Band D property, taking the district councils total weekly charge for such a property to �3.78. The decision will have to be ratified when the full council meets on February 25.

Royston town council had already confirmed its intention to raise its precept by 10 per cent, or around an additional six pence per Band D property, while Hertfordshire county council has decided to freeze the amount it charges.

The district council cabinet made its decision after hearing that the council needs to making savings of around �1million in 2010/11, as they continue to come to terms with the recession.

Cllr Terry Hone, the council's portfolio holder for finance, said: "We believe this six pence per week increase is the minimum we can ask for in order to maintain the high standards our residents expect and deserve."

Hertfordshire Police has yet to announce its precept for 2010/11.