Residents in Tendring can expect investment in key issues facing the community along with the maintenance of frontline services in the next year.

That is the message from Neil Stock, Leader of Tendring District Council (TDC), who is promising improvements to services as well as additional savings in the future.

The Council's Cabinet agreed its budget today (January 25) and it will be recommended to Full Council on February 7.

Cllr Stock said that the Council is pressing ahead - despite the severe financial constraints being imposed on all local authorities.

"As well as investing in our priorities, Cabinet is also proposing a 0.5 per cent reduction in the Council Tax to help ease the burden on residents," he said.

"The Council has achieved a balanced budget for 2012/13 following rigorous reviews of all of our services and reducing staffing levels during 2011.

"This has resulted in a whole range of savings being made through efficiencies and doing things in a more innovative way."

Cllr Stock said the proposed programme of investments includes:

 Funding local services to achieve affordable excellence
 Coastal Protection - addressing the huge challenge for the coastline and tourist industry
 Reduced parking charges to boost the economy
 Local Housing for Local People - supporting the supply of local housing needs for the community.

At the same time, he added, there have already been significant improvements in services to the public including an improved waste collection and recycling service; awards reflecting the high standards of leisure centres and upgrades for Clacton and Harwich seafronts.

"I am very proud that we have managed our funding reductions whilst improving many of our services," he said.

"It is key for me that we do not just manage budgets but deliver real improvements for local people.

"Of course that is far from the end of the story; we face several more challenging financial settlements through to 2015. We have already started to work on making the necessary savings and this process will require continuing determination and innovation."

25/1/12