Council tax for the average household in Three Rivers is set to rise by around 10p a week – on top of two separate tax rises.

The decision to increase council tax for 2019/20 was taken during a full meeting of councillors at Three Rivers House on Tuesday (February 26).

The average Band D precept for Three Rivers in 2019/20 will be £173.90, up from £168.90 in 2018/19 and £163.90 in 2017/18.

These charges exclude parish precepts.

Three Rivers said they are increasing investment in community safety and leisure facilities, while spending more money on providing homes in the district.

The council will also continue to invest in assets that generate money – such as the land and buildings it owns.

The rise in council tax is in addition to a 2.99 per cent increase in Hertfordshire County Council tax, and £24 extra year in tax towards the police and crime commissioner.

Leader of Three Rivers District Council, Sara Bedford, said: “I am proud that despite the huge cuts in government grant, Three Rivers continues to provide quality services cues that are good value for money. We continue to concentrate on front-line services, whilst cutting administration costs and keeping the Three Rivers part of the council tax well below inflation over the past decade.

“I was disappointed that the Conservative group did not make one suggestion or come up with any ideas. The fact that they then did not oppose the Lib Dem budget shows how little ambition they have to run the council or provide the services that residents rely on.”