HARLOW Council has recorded a budget surplus for the third consecutive year, once again demonstrating strong financial management while freezing its share of Council Tax and delivering record investment across the town claims Harlow Council.

A press spokesperson said: “The council’s latest Statement of Accounts confirms that the authority ended the 2025/26 financial year with a small but healthy General Fund budget surplus, despite continuing to deliver the ambitious Building Harlow’s Future programme and maintaining its Council Tax freeze for a fifth consecutive year.

The achievement comes at a time when many councils across the country continue to report overspending, mounting financial pressures and higher Council Tax bills for residents.

“Harlow’s third consecutive budget surplus provides further evidence of the council’s strong financial position, enabling continued investment in better services, council homes, neighbourhoods and the regeneration of the town while keeping its finances firmly under control”.

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:

“For the third year running, Harlow Council has achieved a budget surplus. At a time when many councils are reporting overspending, increasing Council Tax and scaling back investment, Harlow is proving there is another way.

“We’ve frozen our share of Council Tax every year since 2021, invested record amounts into rebuilding our town, improving council homes and transforming council services, and still delivered another healthy budget surplus.

“That doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of disciplined financial management, taking difficult decisions, driving efficiencies across the council and ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent wisely.

“Financial stability isn’t an end in itself. It gives us the confidence to invest, improve services and deliver on the promises we’ve made to residents.

“Three consecutive budget surpluses are proof that we’re transforming our council as we Build Harlow’s Future. We’re delivering more, investing more and protecting residents from higher Council Tax – all while maintaining strong, sustainable finances.”

Councillor James Leppard, Cabinet Member for Finance, said:

“These are another excellent set of financial results and reflect the disciplined approach we have taken to managing the council’s finances. Every decision we make is focused on delivering the best possible value for taxpayers while protecting the council’s long-term financial sustainability.

“Achieving a budget surplus for a third consecutive year, while freezing our share of Council Tax and continuing to invest record amounts in housing, regeneration and frontline services, demonstrates that strong financial management and ambitious investment can go hand in hand.

“At a time when many councils continue to face significant financial challenges, Harlow is showing what can be achieved through careful planning, prudent decision-making and firm financial control. That strong financial foundation means we can continue investing in the priorities that matter most to our residents for years to come.”

The council’s Statement of Accounts will now be considered by Cabinet before progressing through the annual external audit process.