Budget approved by Cabinet as county council outlines path out of the pandemic

ESSEX County Council’s (ECC) Organisation Plan and Budget for 2021/22 has been approved by its Cabinet today, Tuesday 19 January.

The county council’s plans outline a path out of the pandemic toward a brighter future for Essex, setting out not only how the Local Authority will support residents and businesses now, but also beyond Covid-19, while continuing to deliver key services and protect the vulnerable.

ECC has put forward a 0% council tax increase, with a 1.5% increase this year from the Government’s Adult Social Care precept – half of that available. This means that for an average Band D property household, the ECC element of Council Tax will increase by £19.80 next year, or 38p per week.

The Council’s post-pandemic plans balance the needs of Essex residents, the local economy and the environment – while raising council tax bills only by what is absolutely necessary.

Cllr Chris Whitbread, ECC’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “There is no doubt that this last year has been one of the most challenging that our county has ever faced. Today, I am pleased to have agreed a responsible, sustainable budget, that will help our economy to recover, that will protect and support our residents and that minimises the impact on council tax, while ensuring essential services continue to be delivered.

“This budget represents an investment in the people of Essex; we have a responsibility as a Local Authority to achieve the best value for money for taxpayers, while ensuring that we help and support all our residents, particularly those that are vulnerable, to live the best life they possibly can.

“It also represents an ambitious investment in our economy, including in our schools, roads and homes now and into the future, due to a significantly increased investment – 50 per cent – in major projects, so that we can build back better.

“In addition, the budget outlines our ongoing investment and commitment to the environment and climate action, including planting more trees, investing in flood defences, and investing in sustainable solutions for our future.  

“ECC continues to make sound financial decisions, as evidenced by approval at today’s Cabinet meeting. We have a strong track record to be proud of, despite the increased pressures faced by the public sector in recent years and should take great strength from this. We have thought very carefully about this budget and have the foundation and agreed plans that will enable us to invest in the future and support Essex to recover and grow.”

While maintaining a 0% council tax increase, during 2021/22, ECC will be investing an additional £33m across its portfolios, with the majority of this being invested in adult social care services to support some of the county’s most vulnerable individuals and those that care for them.

In addition, the county council is continuing to grow its investments, with a bold £1.3billion capital strategy and continued investment in road maintenance and footways, waste and children’s services.

The organisation plan and 2021/22 budget will be presented for formal approval at ECC’s online Full Council meeting on Tuesday 23 February.