Tendring District Council (TDC) leaders have set out their initial budget proposals for 2026/27 financial year.
The council’s Cabinet considered the authority’s current financial position and approved the initial proposals at a meeting on Friday, 19 December.
The draft budget is currently based on a 2.99% increase in the TDC element of council tax, which would see the average Band D property pay £205.48 per year – equivalent to just under £3.95 per week. This represents an increase of £5.96 - or around 11p per week.
These figures are subject to change once the Local Government Financial Settlement, announced earlier this week, is fully factored in.
To reflect the current Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) timetable, TDC has prepared a two-year financial forecast, replacing the previous ten-year plan.
This anticipates significant changes ahead, including the potential creation of a new unitary council as early as April 2028, which could replace both TDC and Essex County Council.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said the council is approaching a pivotal moment.
“We are at a financial crossroads, with potentially only two budget cycles remaining before a new unitary council takes over,” he said.
“In this interim period, we’ve adopted a sensible and robust approach to ensure stability and sound financial stewardship.
“Our financial base is strong because we’ve responded quickly to challenges in recent years -and that gives us confidence as we plan ahead.”
Councillor Stephenson also welcomed the certainty provided by the Government’s multi-year settlement.
“It complements our two-year plan perfectly, giving stability and removing the risk of nasty surprises during this transitional period,” he said.
He added that the council is continuing to deliver savings and efficiencies while consolidating funding streams across both revenue and capital budgets.
“This approach allows us to balance cost pressures with investment in local priorities,” said Councillor Stephenson. “It’s about being prudent while still delivering for our communities.”
Looking ahead to Local Government Reorganisation, Councillor Stephenson acknowledged the responsibilities placed on existing councils.
He added: “Government guidance is clear – decisions we make now must not restrict future choices for the new council. We take that responsibility seriously and will remain open and transparent about our finances.
“This approach will ensure a smooth handover when the successor council takes the reins.”
Final budget proposals will be agreed by Cabinet in January, following scrutiny, before a decision by Full Council in February.
