Our 2025/26 budget plans have been approved by Full Council. This includes a Council Tax increase of 3.75% (a 1.75% general increase and 2% increase in the adult social care precept).
Our plans set out how we will spend the more than £2 billion we are responsible for over the next financial year. We will spend this across four areas: the economy, environment, health and ensuring Essex is a great place for children and families.
Also announced during the meeting was an extra £12.3 million for highways. The extra funding for improvements will be allocated across several areas, including:
- £8.5 million to continue the Members’ Highways Initiative
- £1.6 million increase in the road safety budget
- £1.3 million for improvements to cycle paths
- £500,000 new funding to repair damaged road signs
- £400,000 extra funding to improve drains and reduce the risk of flooding
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Sustainable Transport, said: "I hear time and again how important it is to residents that we carry out much needed road repairs and how doing so makes them proud of where they live. So, I am pleased that for another year we have been able to invest a significant amount of additional funding to carry out the repairs residents want to see and that we know will improve their journeys.
“Next year’s additional investment also acknowledges that Essex has one of the busiest road networks in the country and this takes its toll not just on the road surface but on the safety of our roads. It is our duty to do what we can to ensure everyone’s journey in Essex is as safe as it can be.”
Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: "We have a strong track record of delivering for the residents and businesses of Essex. Our extra investment in key areas such as highways is proof that we are listening to and prioritising what is most important to the people we serve.
“However, this budget has been set within extremely challenging economic circumstances nationally. The impact of high inflation and the increasing costs of providing services are undoubtedly taking a toll on local government finances.
“While I am proud to have once again presented a balanced budget for next year, we must ensure we are also sustainable in the long-term. This is the responsible thing to do and one that has meant we have had to make difficult decisions when setting this budget, particularly in respect of Council Tax.
“As in previous years, we remain committed to achieving good value for money and investing in the future of the county, not just the here and now. We never forget it’s tax-payer’s money we’re spending and every pound is accounted for and allocated.”