Ward Councillor H Bramer Report March/April 2026
Council has now approved our 2026/27 capital and revenue budgets – robust, responsible plans that respond to the funding gap created by the Government’s Fair Funding Review, while investing in highways, housing, flood resilience, infrastructure and the local economy.
Full Council’s decision on 13 February approved a comprehensive package of measures that reflect what residents told us matters most, including the condition of our roads and the protection of vital services.
The budget includes a 4.99% council tax increase to maintain delivery of services alongside major capital investment in resurfacing, emergency accommodation, infrastructure maintenance and heritage assets and a savings programme of £20 million to be achieved through transformation of services, reduction of costs and managing demand.
We have also celebrated a significant landmark achievement for our children and young people. Ofsted has formally judged Herefordshire’s Children’s Services to be Good overall, with Outstanding leadership – a transformation from the inadequate rating of 2022. This is a hugely significant moment for the county,
On growth, our focus remains on unlocking housing, supporting local businesses and creating opportunities across the county. The council plans to increase the amount of social housing, speed up development on key sites, bring empty homes back into use and improve existing properties.
A £10m capital programme for 2026/27 will help deliver more homes for large families, accessible housing, accommodation for young people, and additional temporary accommodation to meet growing demand and reduce long term costs. I am proud the Council (collectively with the Registered Providers) has delivered 731 dwellings in the County since 2023).
In response to feedback from businesses and residents, Cabinet has agreed to extend the popular 30-minute free parking scheme to include on-street bays in Hereford city centre, complementing the existing ‘Pop & Shop’ provision in council-operated car parks from April. This measure supports footfall, accessibility and the local economy.
Major regeneration and infrastructure projects are also progressing at pace. At Merton Meadow, construction is now underway on the innovative flood alleviation scheme – a nature based project that will create wetlands, enhance biodiversity and unlock the potential for new homes and public spaces north of the city. Alongside this, the Hereford Transport Hub continues to take shape, with the installation of the central canopy marking a visible and exciting milestone in creating a more welcoming, accessible gateway to the county.
Progress continues on the Hereford Bypass, including the approval of the Compulsory Purchase and Side Roads Orders required to assemble the land needed for construction of phase one.
The council is taking extensive action to tackle the rise in potholes across Herefordshire, with highway crews completing more than 3,000 repairs since January and carrying out up to 150 repairs each day. Recent exceptional weather – prolonged rainfall followed by freezing temperatures – has significantly accelerated the formation of potholes, but teams are working daily to inspect and prioritise the most urgent defects.
Alongside reactive repairs, the council is investing in long-term improvements to strengthen the road network, including 47 miles of resurfacing, 62 miles of preventative surface dressing, major drainage upgrades, and an additional £13.5 million committed to resurfacing, patching and preventative treatments. Residents are encouraged to support this work by reporting defects through the Report It app, with a new resurfacing and surface-dressing programme to be announced soon.
Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park has just launched to support business growth and investment in Herefordshire.
A major new employment site designed to support business growth and attract investment to the county has been officially launched.
Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park was launched at a meeting of the Herefordshire High Growth Business Forum on 25 March, bringing together business leaders, council representatives and partners to mark the next stage in the development of the site.
The 17-acre strategic employment site will become one of Herefordshire’s largest business hubs and has the potential to support around 600 jobs once fully developed.
Interest in the site is already growing, with enquiries from businesses looking to locate and expand in the area.
The development will provide high-quality employment space for a range of growing businesses and forms part of Herefordshire Council’s wider programme to support economic growth, attract inward investment and create sustainable jobs.
My thoughts are “Ross-on-Wye Enterprise Park is another strong example of Herefordshire Council making the most of the assets we have – whether that’s land, infrastructure or partnerships – to deliver real benefits for our county., “By using these assets strategically, we are creating the space and opportunities businesses need to grow, invest and create jobs, helping to strengthen Herefordshire’s economy for the future.”
Located close to the market town of Ross-on-Wye, the site offers businesses the opportunity to operate in a high-quality environment surrounded by some of the region’s most scenic countryside.
Its only taken me 22 years to make this happen– but now it is – it has all been worth it !
Best wishes to all, especially those of you that got this far !
Please feel free to contact me on 07900 918384
Or by email on harry.bramer2@herefordshire.gov.uk
Please pass this on to your Parish Councillors and to any newsletters that may be of interest and please remember that should any Parish Council wish me to attend their meetings at any time – I should be only too pleased to attend if asked
Regards
Cllr Harry Bramer
Penyard Ward Member
Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets