EPPING Forest District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 3 February 2026 to review major financial reports that show the Council’s improving in‑year performance and the development of a balanced, resident‑focused budget for 2026/27.

Councillors considered the Quarter 3 Budget Monitoring Report for 2025/26 and the final draft budget proposals that will go on to Full Council on 19 February.

The Quarter 3 report confirms that the Council is forecasting a small surplus for the current year, marking a significant improvement compared with earlier in the financial cycle.

The improved position reflects higher income and lower borrowing costs than previously forecast. These gains have enabled the Council to manage ongoing pressures, including temporary accommodation demand and reduced recycling income, while also benefiting from underspends in ICT and other support services.

Members reviewed the draft 2026/27 budget, which now proposes a fully balanced position following a year of careful planning and targeted efficiencies.

The Council has worked steadily to close the projected deficit, moving from a £3.53 million gap at the outset to a manageable £0.49 million position late last year, before reaching balance through prudent financial management.

Leader of Council, Councillor Chris Whitbread said:

“This budget has been delivered against a very difficult backdrop, and I want to pay tribute to our finance team and all service areas for the first‑class work they have done. They have closed a £3.4 million gap for 2026/27, protected key services and ensured we can present a fully balanced budget despite national pressures, stubborn inflation and a challenging funding settlement.“

“While I am pleased that we have balanced the budget for 2026/27, we cannot ignore the challenges that lie ahead. Forecast deficits in later years mean we will need further efficiencies, income generation, and real transformational change. We are committed to managing these pressures responsibly and protecting frontline services for our residents.”

As a billing authority, most of the Council Tax collected by Epping Forest District Council goes to Essex County Council, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and local town and parish councils, with the district retaining only a small share to fund its own services.

EFDC’s proposed draft budget sets out a below inflation increase in Council Tax of 2.98 per cent, costing the average Band D property just £177.12 per year, an increase of £5.13.

As well as managing its finances responsibly, the Council is pressing ahead with investments that strengthen services and support the district’s long‑term ambitions.

Residents are already benefiting from the newly opened, energy‑efficient Epping Leisure Centre, featuring the town’s first public swimming pool, which began operating on 12 January 2026.

Progress also continues in waste and recycling, with Terra Verde Services (TVS) completing its first full year of enhanced delivery and operating from its new hub at North Weald Airfield.

February 2026 sees the rollout of the district’s new garden‑waste subscription service ahead of the introduction of weekly separate food‑waste collections from 31 March 2026.

Long‑term investment remains central to the Council’s strategy. Key capital programmes include substantial planned works to maintain and enhance council housing stock, alongside a housebuilding and acquisitions programme totalling more than £63 million over the next three years which is expected to deliver 118 affordable units and the acquisition of 68 affordable rent properties.

The Council is also progressing projects that drive income and economic growth, such as the completed new control tower at North Weald Airfield, reinforcing support for the district’s aviation and commercial sectors.

Councillor Chris Whitbread also confirmed proposals to continue funding support for organisations like Voluntary Action Epping Forest and Citizens Advice.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s recommendations will be passed to Cabinet ahead of its meeting on 9 February, before the final budget is presented to Full Council on 19 February 2026, where Councillors will be asked to formally approve the balanced budget for the year ahead.