Herefordshire Council confirmed today that the total tax for Herefordshire residents is to rise by an average of 3.8% from April 2016.

This includes increases in precepts from West Mercia police (1.99%), Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue (1.96%) and town or parish councils (an average of 12.7%).

Ross-on-Wye Town Council voted in January to increase their precept by 20%; which is above average for other town and parish councils in the County.

The council tax increase will mean a rise of approximately £5 a month for those living in a band D property.

The Herefordshire Council tax increase of 3.9% includes a 2% (£1.7m) increase to support rising costs of adult social care for Herefordshire’s ageing population, which is supported by government and will be reviewed annually.

Funding from central government has been reduced by a third for 2016/17 (a loss of £9m from the council’s budget), however a spokesperson for Herefordshire Council say the Counil continues to rise to the challenge.

They said: "It has made significant savings since 2010, alongside delivering successful projects to boost the local economy including The Old Market retail development, the new livestock market, faster broadband and the Hereford Enterprise Zone."