Households in Hertsmere will pay £5 more for services such as refuse collection and housing over the 12 months from April.

The average Band D property will pay £157.70 for 2018/19 after Hertsmere Borough Council agreed its budget on Wednesday.

Borough councils provide services such as waste and recycling, planning, housing, parks, street cleaning, and environmental health.

There will also be a strong focus on PCSOs, housing the homeless, and community transport.

Labour Cllr Jeremy Newmark described the budget as “unsustainable” and “short-term” in a speech during the meeting.

But Cllr John Graham, portfolio holder for finance, property and economic development, said: “At a time when money from central government is declining, we are working to provide both a continuing and growing range of services to our residents.

"This small council tax increase, set out in the budget which was agreed by full council last night, is essential to enable us to continue to deliver these key frontline services.”