Essex County Council announced on Monday (January 8) its budget proposals for 2024/25.

The proposal details a 2.99% council tax increase, with an extra 2% precept for adult social care. 

This would mean that in 2024/25, Band D households will be paying £1522.23 per annum. This is an increase of £72.36 from 2023/24.

The increase would help bridge the gap seen nationally in areas such as children's services, adult social care and Home to School Transport. 

The budget also proposes continued funding for Essex County Council's long-term capital spending programme. 

This includes the new station at Chelmsford's Beaulieu Park, the Chelmsford North-Eastern Bypass and the Colchester/Tendring A120-A133 link road and rapid transit scheme. Investment is also planned for things like new schools and highway maintenance. 

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: 

"It's no secret that local government is currently facing significant financial pressures and unfortunately Essex is not immune to them. We know these challenges are felt by many of our residents too. 

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"However, I am confident our latest budget proposals reflect the best possible balance of protecting and developing essential services while continuing to focus on priority areas which residents have helped us establish. We will also continue work to improve our county's infrastructure. We have a robust plan for the coming year and the years ahead."

On the subject of council tax, he adds: "It's also important, now more than ever, to ensure we're achieving the best possible value for money for taxpayers. This year's proposed council tax increase will mean finding an extra £1.39 a week for a typical Band D property household.

"We know any increase will not be welcome news for many and this isn't something we do lightly. However, given the current economic outlook and demand pressures, it is something we are unable to avoid. This increase will place us in a more stable position in the coming years and allow us to plan with greater certainty in the medium term.

"I am proud that we have again been able to balance the books in Essex for the coming year. But I want to be clear that without significant interventions and support from the central government, more and more difficult decisions lie ahead for councils in the future."

The proposals will be presented at an Essex County Council cabinet meeting on January 16, and again in front of a full council on February 13.