Tendring District Council’s (TDC) leaders have welcomed an improved financial forecast for 2025/26.

The council’s Cabinet considered the authority’s current financial position and approved updated budget proposals at a meeting on Friday, 31 January.

Since the last Cabinet meeting in December, the authority’s forecast deficit for 2025/26 has fallen by £1.45million to £56,000.

The updated position includes the impact of the Government’s Provisional Local Government Financial Settlement and favourable income from Business Rates.

Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader, welcomed the council’s improved financial forecast.

He said: “There is quite a bit going on in future years, such as the Government’s review of Local Authorities’ needs and resources, a Business Rates reset and reforms to the New Homes Bonus to name just a few.

“Add this to the potential impact of Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, forecasting over the medium to long term is becoming increasing difficult.

“However, we continue to have the right frameworks and processes in place to support our financial planning activities.

“It is always worth highlighting that TDC’s element of the overall Council Tax bill is only around ten per cent and is just over 50p a day.

“I think this continues to represent excellent value for money especially when you think about all the things the council does and the services it provides to residents.”

Councillor Henderson added that the council remains in a stable position thanks to its long-term approach to financial planning and that the authority is committed to financial stability and openness as part of its corporate plan, Our Vision.

Next year’s budget is currently based upon a 2.99% rise in the TDC element of council tax bills – putting an average Band D home on £199.52 per year, or just under £3.85 per week. This is an increase of £5.79 over the year – or just over 11p per week.

The final decision on the council’s budget for 2025/26 will be made by the full council on February 11.

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