Tendring District Council (TDC) has approved a balanced budget for the financial year 2025/26 – with a surplus being saved for future financial challenges.

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

From April, TDC’s portion of the council tax bill will rise by 2.99%, bringing the average Band D home to £199.52 per year, or just under £3.85 per week. This represents an annual increase of £5.79, or slightly over 11p per week.

Less than ten per cent of households’ total council tax goes to TDC; with the remainder allocated to the county council, police and fire services, and, where applicable, parish councils.

Council heard that the previously forecast deficit had significantly decreased and was now a surplus of £839,000 mainly due to an increase in income from business rates.

This money will be added to the Forecast Risk Fund, putting the council in a stronger footing to weather future financial shocks – alongside a focus on securing external funding for initiatives where possible.

Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, stated that while the budget for 2025/26 is balanced, difficult decisions will still be necessary in the coming years.

“Our share of the total council tax bill is just over 50 pence a day; this continues to provide excellent value for money, especially when you think of everything the council delivers each year.

“One of the most important roles we as a Council undertake is our responsibility for financial stewardship. Part of stewardship is having one eye on the future and the challenges that may lie ahead; such as the rise of inflation and the increase in the cost of living, the government equation, and Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation.

“Despite these uncertainties, I am confident the strong financial foundation we have built will enable us to navigate these challenges.

“Savings do not necessarily mean reductions in expenditure, they also include increases in income, which is reflected within the current plan – one good example being the on-going successful management of our investments.”

The council also agreed its Housing Revenue Account for the coming financial year – the ring-fenced budget for management and maintenance of its housing – which included a 2.7% increase in rents.

This budget was balanced by using reserves, to invest back into properties and make enhancements to its stock of around 3,000 homes.

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