Leading councillors heard that Tendring District Council (TDC) remains in a stable financial position as finance bosses set out their latest budget proposals for 2026/27.
The council’s cabinet heard on Friday, 30 January, that the authority is continuing to develop its two-year financial plan aimed at successfully navigating the council through to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
It is anticipated that a new unitary council could replace both TDC and Essex County Council as early as April 2028.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, TDC Leader, had previously welcomed the multi-year nature of the Government’s Financial Settlement for councils, which complements the council’s two-year plan by giving more certainty and stability.
“However, after initially working through the fine detail of the settlement, it looks like a bit of a mixed blessing,” he said.
“The change to the formula should, in principle, favour councils with higher needs and we were expecting to potentially see a modest increase in our grant funding – especially following the publication of the updated National Deprivation Indices late last year.
“Unfortunately, that has not proved to be the case and we plan on writing to the Government to express our disappointment.
“While we had hoped for additional funding, our cautious approach meant we did not rely on it in our forecast financial plans. As a result, we have not been negatively affected, and our two year plan remains on a stable footing.
“Our two-year plan and budget proposals not only continue to protect our frontline services, but they also allow us to invest in our priorities – and support the community that lies at the heart of every decision we make.”
Under the budget proposals for 2026/27, the average Band D property would pay £205.48 per year for TDC services – or just under £3.95 per week.
This represents an annual rise in the district council’s share of council tax of 2.99% - equivalent to £5.96 or around just 11 pence per week.
The budget proposals include £300,000 of investment in essential repairs to council buildings and assets, £196,000 over two years to support the Beach Patrol service, as well as £40,000 towards the cost of putting on the Clacton Airshow in 2026 and 2027, along with £500,000 towards the extension of Clacton Cemetery.
The budget will be presented to the Full Council for the final decision on 17 February.
