Published 6/11/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

Herefordshire’s market towns are being asked to contribute thousands of pounds toward a pooled budget to fund the county council’s newly launched Youth Strategy and local forums.

Meeting agendas from across the county reveal varying financial requests sent to local authorities following the strategy's official launch at Hereford Racecourse on November 3.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council's management committee will meet on Monday to consider a request from Herefordshire Council for a contribution toward a county-level pool of between £10,000 and £25,000.

By contrast, Bromyard Town Council recently debated a request for individual town councils to stump up between £25,000 and £50,000 each to fund ongoing youth services, including mobile and virtual activities. The figure was also raised at Kington Town Council, where members voiced frustration that the county's smallest market town was being asked to contribute the same sum as larger areas.

The topic has not yet appeared on formal agendas for Ledbury, Leominster, or Hereford City Council.

Herefordshire Council stated that the strategy aims to ensure every young person across the county has access to supportive mentors, safe spaces, and meaningful community opportunities regardless of their background or location.

Separately, Ross-on-Wye town councillors will also vote on Monday whether to approve up to £3,600 in legal fees to take over three local playgrounds currently owned by Herefordshire Council.