Apologies were received from the Chair, Councillor Walford and Councillor Crout.

There was a change of membership for this meeting: Councillor G Saffery replaced Councillor Dychton.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 09 November 2021 to be submitted and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2021 were agreed and signed.

Report of the Head of Finance. To follow.

The committee received a report of the Head of Finance consolidating the decisions of Watford Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s officer to give the overall council tax for residents of Watford for 2022/23.

The Head of Revenues and Benefits introduced the report.  She explained that Watford Borough Council had set its Council Tax at full Council on the 24 January 2022, Hertfordshire County Council set its Council Tax at their Council meeting on 22 February 2022. The Police and Crime Commissioner had also set his Council Tax at an earlier date.  Details of the proposed increases were detailed in the report, including a 1.5% increase in council tax at Watford Borough Council.

Following a question from Councillor G Saffery, the Head of Revenues and Benefits explained that the decision being made at the meeting was procedural and served to formally approve the three figures that the council tax comprised of.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, a recorded vote was taken.

Those voting in favour of the resolution:

Councillors Allen-Williamson, A Saffery, G Saffery and Watkin

There were no votes against the resolution.

Those members abstaining from voting:

Councillors Shah

The resolution was carried by 4 votes to 0 with 1 abstention.

RESOLVED –

that the committee formally sets the total Council Tax for Watford Borough Council, which includes the precepts for Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, as set out in the report.