ESSEX county council has announced a £12.3 million boost for Essex roads at the same time that council tax will rise. The extra funding for highways improvements will be allocated across several areas, including £8.5 million to continue the Members’ Highways Initiative, £1.6 million increase in the road safety budget and £1.3 million for improvements to cycle paths.

The council’s 2025/26 budget plans include a Council Tax increase of 3.75 per cent. This includes a 1.75 per cent general increase and two per cent increase in the adult social care precept. For an average Band D property, this would mean an increase in the county council element of Council Tax of £1.09 a week.

However the ruling Tory administration has been accused of not going far enough. The Lib Dems said a further 1.24 per cent could be added before reaching the referendum cap – costing some 36 pence per household a week

They added this sum together with a draw of £9m from reserves, would release £20m in 2025/26. The Lib Dems say their amendment to the Conservatives’ budget for 2025-2026 would have allowed more to be done but was rejected when the council met on February 13.

Lib Dem group leader Councillor Mike Mackrory added: “Essex County Council is ignoring its own residents’ survey, which said that people would be willing to pay a small amount extra on council tax if it improved services.

“Through carefully targeted projects, the Lib Dem plans would have done just that, and also given extra support to those struggling.”

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: “We have a strong track record of delivering for the residents and businesses of Essex. Our extra investment in key areas such as highways is proof that we are listening to and prioritising what is most important to the people we serve.

“However, this budget has been set within extremely challenging economic circumstances nationally. The impact of high inflation and the increasing costs of providing services are undoubtedly taking a toll on local government finances. While I am proud to have once again presented a balanced budget for next year, we must ensure we are also sustainable in the long-term.

“This is the responsible thing to do and one that has meant we have had to make difficult decisions when setting this budget, particularly in respect of council tax. As in previous years, we remain committed to achieving good value for money and investing in the future of the county, not just the here and now. We never forget it’s tax-payer’s money we’re spending and every pound is accounted for and allocated.”

Last week, the Government confirmed that Greater Essex would be part of its devolution priority programme and can move forward with local government reorganisation.

Councillor Whitbread, added: “We remain committed to delivering essential services for residents and businesses in Essex. Our budget will enable us to keep doing this as we work with the Government on future council structures and funding models.”