Herefordshire Council sets out key decisions, with roads and public realm a priority

Herefordshire Council has outlined the major decisions it will make in the coming months, with several directly affecting local roads and infrastructure.

In early February, the council’s Cabinet will consider the county’s budget for the 2026/27 financial year, before passing it to a full council meeting for final approval a week later. The authority is under increasing financial pressure, after being informed that central Government funding will rise by less than inflation.

Council leaders have already indicated that a five per cent council tax increase is likely from April. At the same Cabinet meeting, councillors will also review whether to continue offering full council tax exemptions to residents on low incomes or benefits, including pensioners.

Roads and public realm improvements are set to be a major focus for 2026. By the end of January, the council plans to approve its programme of public realm works, including road maintenance and improvements, as well as preparatory work at depots and other facilities. These measures support the launch of a new public realm service in June, which returns overall responsibility for the county’s roads and street maintenance to the council after years of outsourced management.

The council will also approve its Local Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Infrastructure Plan (LCWWIP) in March, following adoption of a broader local transport plan in December.

The LCWWIP, which was drafted with input from residents over the summer, will help secure funding to create an integrated active travel network across Herefordshire, complementing the council’s road maintenance and improvement programmes.