Tendring District Council (TDC) has approved its budget for 2026/27, confirming plans that protect essential local services while continuing to invest in the priorities that matter to residents.

Councillors approved the budget proposals, which include a modest increase in the district’s council tax charge, during a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, 11 February.

It means the average Band D household will pay £205.48 for district council services in 2026/27 — an increase of 2.99%, or £5.96 a year (just over 11p per week).

Of the average £2,269.63 council tax bill, less than ten per cent is kept by TDC to run local services, with the remaining money collected on behalf of Essex County Council, the police, fire service and, in some areas, parish councils, to support the services they provide.

TDC Leader, Councillor Mark Stephenson, said: “Too often, Tendring is spoken about only in terms of challenges, but those headlines never tell the full story.

“They miss the hard work of our officers, the partnerships, the innovation, and the clear improvements that have taken place over recent years and they miss the impact this Council has made on people’s lives.

“We do not wait for others to fix problems for us. We face challenges head on, we work with partners, and we deliver change, and we do all of this with one of the lowest council tax levels in the country.

“Our two-year plan and 2026/27 budget maintain stability, protect services, and put us in the right position.

“For residents, this plan means no sudden changes to essential services, continued support for vulnerable households, and investment in leisure, green spaces and community facilities.

“For businesses, it means stability in core services, continued regeneration of town centres and coastal areas, and improvements to the infrastructure that supports the local economy.

“Our achievements over recent years show what is possible when partnership working, financial discipline and a focus on residents come together.

“With this budget, we continue that work. We protect services, support local people, and prepare a strong foundation for the new Unitary Council.”

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.

It also commits £500,000 to extending Clacton Cemetery, ensuring the site can continue to accommodate local needs.

The budget also sets aside an extra £1million to help people facing homelessness, including funding for temporary accommodation.

At the meeting, councillors also approved the Housing Revenue Account budget – the budget for managing TDC’s council housing stock. This included a 4.8% rise in rents, taking the average weekly rent to £108.46 – significantly below much of the wider rented sector, and a rise backed unanimously by the Tenants’ Panel to support future housing investment.

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